AN HISTORIC church is facing hundreds of pounds worth of repair bills following a break-in.

A collection box was stolen and stained glass windows smashed among other damage during the break- in at the Grade-1 listed St Bartholomew's Church, Brighton.

Father David Clues said he believed the theft overnight last Friday to Saturday (August7-8) was preceded by an attempt a few days earlier.

He said: "As far as we know on Wednesday someone tried to get in and did some damage.

"But they could not get access to the church, so on Friday night they came back and the they got into the church, breaking into some rather old windows and smashing through the office."

He added the culprit appeared to "have one purpose in mind" as they had walked past one bit of potentially valuable equipment to get to the collection box at the back of the Grade-I listed Anglican church.

He added: "I guess they did a reccie first because we are open all day so they may have seen what was available. "

Father Clues said there was about £40-£50 in the collection box, which is emptied regularly, but in the process of getting to it "they had done hundreds of pounds worth of damage".

He added: "I think it is really sad, actually.

"The nice thing is the congregation they are pretty stoical about it all, but we exist for the people of Brighton and it is a shame that someone would break in for so little, really.

"I have emailed my colleagues in the deanery to say this may happen somewhere else; it looks as if it was planned so might be targeted."

The church, in Ann Street, plans to continue with its annual St Bartholomew's Day festival celebrations, due to take place this year on Saturday (August 22), attended by the Bishop of Horsham, Mark Soweby, and the Deputy Mayor of Brighton, Councillor Pete West.

One of the stained glass windows smashed had been in the church, notable for its 41-metre height, since it was built in 1874.

Father Clues added: "Repairs are complicated because we are a grade one listed building so we have got to jump through all the hoops to make sure it is in keeping with English Heritage.

"To some extent we are a soft target; certainly here I like to keep our doors open. But what is the point of locking up and keeping people out? That is the price to pay."

Sussex Police confirmed it was investigating the break-in and called for anyone with information to come forward.