PARISHIONERS were left picking up the pieces after vandals embarked on their latest window smashing spree at a Prestwich church.

Around 20 panes of glass were shattered at the Heaton Park Congregational Church, in the most serious of a spate of incidents over recent months.

Bricks, stones and shards of glass were strewn across the floor when the damage was discovered following the attack.

Vandals had targeted a row of window panes in the upstairs vestry, as well as breaking a kitchen window downstairs.

Parishioners and clergy at the Newtown Street church are now resigned to the prospect of more attacks, and face a costly repair bill.

Windows have been smashed previously at the church and bricks removed from walls, but patrols to catch the culprits, and the erection of security fencing, have had no effect.

Deacon Mrs Ethel Dawson said: "I have no idea why they are doing this. There are no words to describe it.

"It is an ongoing problem, but this is the worst thing that has happened to us yet. I don't know what we are going to do.

"Whatever we do we get no satisfaction."

Police are asking for anyone with information to come forward.

Whitefield Township Inspector David Jones said: "We are aware of this problem and previous incidents but have had no witnesses, which is unusual in a residential area.

"We are asking anyone who has seen or heard anything to give us a ring."