St Margaret's Church in Rainham has been serving the local community for over 900 years. During the night of 7th December it was broken into causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Rainham vicar Nathan Ward says a break-in at St Margarets church Rainham wont dampen spirits ahead of the churchs busy Christmas Season.

Thieves targeted 900 year old St Margarets Church in Rainham over night, smashing a stained glass window to gain entry before forcing doors and cupboards ransacking the church office.

They have caused considerable damage inside the church and will be spending much of today [Sunday] increasing our security.

The sad thing is that they have seriously damaged one of our old stained glass windows and they seem to have taken very little. There is almost no money kept in the church in any case.

The church has already made arrangements for worshipers to attend other services in the local area this morning but expect services to resume on Sunday evening.

This is a season where we especially think of those whose lives have taken a wrong turn and would welcome an opportunity to meet with those involved so we can help and support them. We bear no ill will.

We now need to raise money to make good all the damage as well as increase our security as a church in order to deter further attacks taking place. Any donations towards this is gratefully received.