A church is considering stepping up security after vandals smashed 20 windows.

Yobs caused hundreds of pounds of damage to St Mary Magdalen Church in Coldean Lane, Brighton, on Thursday, at around 8am.

Father Christopher Woodman fears thousands more will have to be found to make the church secure in the future.

He said: "They smashed quite a few of the church and hall windows and they were heard running off.

"We think they must have started at the most sheltered area and worked their way round the building.

"I was hoping it would only be the odd window but when I saw it was quite a few, I was rather upset.

"We did look at security measures in the past. We even had a quote of £5,000 to protect the windows with grilles but the problem was money.

"Now we will have to look at this again because the problem just isn't going away."

Lead around the windows was also damaged and will cost several hundred pounds to replace.

Father Woodman said: "The church and the hall are used by the whole community and not just members of the church.

"These vandals have wrecked something that serves all the people of Coldean."

Father Woodman said the area had attracted trouble and nearby Coldean Infants School had also suffered bouts of vandalism, which was confirmed by the school.

He added: "I think the last major attack was about 18 months ago. We did have the odd broken window but this is increasingly getting worse.

"The church is an obvious target because some parts are quite isolated, although it can be seen from the road."

A spokesman for Brighton Police said: "We do treat criminal damage very seriously.

"Anyone who saw two teenagers throwing stones at the church is asked to contact Brighton police station on 0845 6070999."