VANDALS have wrecked a pair of 100 year-old stained glass windows by hurling bricks at them in two nights of destruction.

The vandalism has deeply upset the minister and parishioners of New Row Methodist Church in Heys Lane, Livesey, Blackburn.

Yet, the congregation prayed for the perpetrators who the Rev Joan Verity said "needed help".

A century-old window was smashed on Friday night and discovered on Saturday morning. Police were informed and attended the scene.

On Sunday morning it was discovered two more windows had been smashed, including another one a century old.

It is unclear how the church will afford to get the windows fixed or whether their insurance policy will cover the, as yet unvalued, windows.

The two main windows above the altar were installed in 1905. The third, which was not so old, was smashed in the Sunday School building.

Church member Irene Harvey, 70, who lives near the church, discovered the vandalism on both occasions.

She has attended the church for 14 years and helps with the cleaning.

She said: "On Saturday morning I went up to do my duty like I always do but getting in was a bit awkward.

"I saw the things on the floor. I thought Misty my border collie had brought them in then I saw that the beautiful window was smashed.

"Come Sunday morning I was over the shock and thought we could still carry on.

"Then I saw the glass and it dawned on me that they must have done it again."

Irene said that those who had done it need to be told it was wrong.

She said: "When I was young even the bad families never touched the church. It's a horrible feeling."

The Rev Joan Verity, 62, said: "It is senseless violence. There is no point in it.

"We had a meeting afterwards. People realise it is a building and no-one was hurt but there is still a great deal of sentimental feeling."

She added: "We prayed for those who did it because maybe they did not know why they did it, whether they were on drink or drugs."

"They need help and they need to have hope in their lives so that they are not doing anything like this."

A police spokesman said: "Two reports of criminal damage have been received. We are investigating and will be keeping an eye on the building."

Anyone with any information should contact Blackburn police on 01254 51212.