THE Preston chainsaw massacre took place in a churchyard this week -- but it was all done in good faith.

The drama unfolded at St Michael and All Angels Church, Egerton Road, Ashton, where the shrubbery had grown so much that it had become a hiding place for criminals.

So in a bid to cut crime in the neighbourhood, the chainsaws came out, and parishioners teamed up with the police and people sentenced to community service to hack down the overgrown bushes.

"It's a great opportunity to deepen and strengthen relationships in our community," said priest-in-charge, Father Rick Bunday. "The grounds had become so overgrown that criminal activity could be hidden."

The drive to cut back the 80-metre stretch of bushes has come about as a direct result of a recent spate of crimes at the site including lead stolen from the roof of the 96-year-old church at the beginning of the month.

"Now this co-operative response is a good example of agencies working together for the benefit of the community," added the vicar.

"The community police have been excellent in their response to the issues facing the church."

Sergeant Mark Brigdeworth, of Preston police, said areas that are often overgrown can become hot spots for juvenile nuisance and, where possible, the police encourage organisations to improve visibility to their properties.

He added: "The cutting back the shrubbery will assist us in our job to combat crime and antisocial behaviour.

"The danger when areas become overgrown is that crime is hidden, if areas are in full view it is less likely to be used for criminal activities or anti-social behaviour."