A mean-spirited yob cut down the flag flying at the top of Bolton Parish Church.
The St George's flag had been raised on Friday in honour of Saint Peter, who the church is named after, but as Cllr John Walsh, an Honorary Lay Canon, arrived at the church on Saturday afternoon, the rope had been cut and the flag stolen.
Cllr Walsh, a church warden at Bolton Parish Church, said: "I am just so saddened that someone would cut the rope and take the flag which was flying at the top of the flag pole.
"The flag is of no use to whoever took it and is unique as it has the Diocese of Manchester mark on it.
"I would easily recognise it."
The police have been informed.
And Cllr Walsh is confident that the culprit has been caught on CCTV.
He said: "When I arrived at around lunchtime the flag had gone.
"I just find it so mean spirited that someone would steal from a church. However, if whoever did this returns the flag I will not take it any further with the police.
"They can return it anonymously."
Anybody who has any information or wants to return the flag should ring 07836363635.
St Peter's Day is celebrated on June 29.
Bolton Parish Church, a Grade II* listed building replaced the previous 15th century church, which had fallen into disrepair.
The church was consecrated and reopened by Bishop James Fraser, the Bishop of Manchester, on St Peter’s Day, 29th June 1871.
Saint Peter is the patron saint of netmakers, shipbuilders, and fishermen, and, because he holds the 'keys of heaven,' he is also the patron saint of locksmiths.
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