Vandals take shine off church's fundraiser

But the vicar of All Saints, Father Trevor Buxton, said: “There was also disappointment, because for the second time in three days vandals smashed a window in the church hall toilets, meaning that £75 has immediately had to be spent on a new pane of glass.

“We live very much hand-to-mouth as it is, and this sort of mindless act simply undermines the efforts of all those people who took the trouble to create some sort of fund-raising event to replace our Christmas market and the goodwill of those who came along to support us.”

Snow and ice prevented some stallholders from attending, and one of them, Carol Holman, of Hastings Road, said: “I’d baked cakes and curds to sell, which I’ve had to give to my neighbours because I couldn’t sell them and they won’t keep.”

Father Trevor said: “We’re now looking forward to the New Year, when we aim to stage a belated Christmas sale of things we have been able to hold on to, such as decorations made by local children, nearly-new items and so on.

“A lot of hard work has gone into raising funds, for which we’re extremely grateful, and we’re determined not to be beaten.”

FAR LEFT: Edward and Lois at the festive event

LEFT: The smashed window