Paving stones that cover the path leading to a village church have been stolen.

Villagers in Grindleton woke on Tuesday morning to find the path up to St Ambrose Church had been vandalised, with paving stones and slabs ripped up.

Reverend for the parish, Mark John Williams, who lives next door to the church said he had not been disturbed by the thieves but is hoping that people living close by may have some information or CCTV.

He said on Tuesday: "The church path has been stolen.

"If anyone saw a van or anything else suspicious last night, do please contact me.

"I heard nothing myself and I live next door to the church."

Lancashire Telegraph: The stone slabs were stolen from the entrance path to St Ambrose Church in Grindleton

The slabs were stolen on Monday night and have left the path up to the church in a terrible state.

The stones, which are believed to be York stone, are worth thousands of pounds, with the only saving grace being that the thieves did not steal any of the gravestones.

One resident said: "That is terrible news, they are extremely expensive to replace (hence the demand for them), they will end up as a patio somewhere.

"From past experience I can guarantee they will be back for the rest."

And another said: "I hope the path can be reinstated and that the thieves are found and made to put them back."

Lancashire Telegraph: The stone slabs were stolen from the entrance path to St Ambrose Church in Grindleton

A PVC company offered to install replacement flags once they are purchased but Rev Williams said they would need to got through the insurance company first to see what the state of play was.

Anyone with information about the theft can contact police on 101 quoting crime reference number 04/3100/80/22.