A church has been left with a hefty bill after several windows were damaged by vandals.

Six windows were smashed at Holy Trinity Church, Barnoldswick, and members think the attack was carried out by a group of people hanging around the back of the church.

The 10in by 10in panels next to the altar were smashed by stones.

Warden Mark Williams said the church had a similar problem a couple of years ago and he feared it could ‘rear its ugly head again’.

He said: “The window is right next to the area where they gather, so this window was in the firing line. But we’ve had a dozen or more window panes that have been put through in various incidents in the past.

“A glazier is coming to assess the damage, but we expect it will cost £200.

“It doesn’t look very nice. This church is not just here for those attending a Sunday service. A lot of people use it for weddings, funerals and christenings.”

The church is liaising with police, who are investigating, to try to prevent further damage.

Fellow warden Natalie Winstanley said incidents of criminal damage were putting a strain on the church budget.

She said: “This will cost a lot of money. We’d rather not spend money that we haven’t got.”

Former vicar the Rev John Lancaster retired earlier this month after 26 years in the parish.