RACIST vandals have caused damage estimated at hundreds of pounds to a Radcliffe church.

They used paint to daub messages on the walls of St Thomas and St John Church between 8.30pm on Monday (June 24) and 9am on Tuesday.

The Rev Chich Hewitt, team rector for the church, discovered the damage and estimates it will cost around £1,000 to have the walls sandblasted.

"The vandalism all around the church is shameful and disturbing and the racist overtones are sinister," he said. The graffiti includes such messages as "Bin Laden Rules", "White Trash" and "Mosque". Mr Hewitt said: "We stand against racism in any form and I personally am involved in racism awareness training in the Manchester diocese.

"This incident will heighten our levels of awareness."

Inspector John Higson, head of Radcliffe Township, said: "The police are keeping an open mind as to the persons responsible for this damage and we will be stepping up patrols in the area.

"A number of young people have historically gathered in the church grounds in the evenings and I would seek the assistance of their parents to stop them from doing so. In the meantime, we are making inquiries to try to find the offenders."

Anyone who may have witnessed the vandalism should contact PC Simon Walton on 856 8223 or call 872 5050.