ARSONISTS were today blamed for a devastating fire which ripped through a town centre church.

More than 50 firefighters from across East Lancashire fought the blaze at St Anne's RC Church in King Street, Blackburn, after it broke out at around 4am.

The roof of the building was badly burned and the inside suffered extensive damage.

All Christmas services were cancelled today as the cost of the attack was being counted and a massive clean-up operation started to remove rubble and ash.

Firefighters said they believed arsonists were responsible and launched an investigation. They said the fire broke out in three seperate places inside the 74-year-old building.

Parish priest Father Jim McCartney (pictured in the wrecked church) is recognised throughout the community for his tireless work with young drug addicts and homeless people. He said all Christmas services at the church would be cancelled.

He said: "I feel totally and completely numb at the moment.

"A fire is bad enough but suspected arson is much worse.

"There is absolutely no chance the church will hold services at Christmas. It is in a very bad state."

Fr McCartney said he would try to find an alternative venue for carol services, possibly St Anne's Primary school next to the church.

He said: "My thoughts are with all the parishioners. The church means a lot to them and to a lot of people all over Blackburn and indeed Lancashire.

"It has a long history with thousands of people over the years who have since moved away still have strong sentimental connections with the place." It is not yet known how the fire will effect the charity THOMAS, Those on the Margins of Society, run from the church by the priest.

Eight appliances from stations across East Lancashire attended the incident which caused extensive damage to the roof.

Neville Earnshaw, divisional officer for Lancashire, said: "There are several independent areas that have been affected by fire which are unrelated to each other, which indicates arson.

"The blaze will be fully investigated today."

Two aerial ladders were used for firefighters to damp down the roof. The church has been locked overnight.

Fr McCartney was alerted to the blaze by staff at nearby Millennium Taxis.

Receptionist Susan Woolfall, who was on the night shift, said: "You could see the smoke pouring out of the church and you could hear things crashing down inside. There were lots of police and fire engines there within minutes."

Inspector Peter Zsigmond, of Blackburn police, said officers would assist the fire service in the investigation.

He said: "Forensic officers from the police and forensic experts from the fire service will be working together to investigate the matter fully."

Earlier this year, Fr McCartney used £100,000 obtained through grants from the Church and the Government to set up a project helping drug addicts, earning plaudits from Home Secretary and Blackburn MP Jack Straw.

Kevin Flanagan, director for church and industry with Salford Diocese which St Anne's comes under, said it was a tragic incident.

He said: "We are very sorry to hear about the blaze this morning.

"It's very sad for Father Jim McCartney and the whole community, especially at Christmas.

"Father McCartney does a lot of work with the community which is recognised not just in Blackburn but nationally.

"The diocese will now look at ways we can support Father McCartney and the parishioners."