AN arson attack has shocked parishioners at a Burnley church.

Cleaning staff at St Matthew's Church found that commercial firelighters had been pushed through a small hole in the bottom of the front door and set alight.

The fire spread to oak panelling inside the doorway but then fortunately burnt itself out.

Last year there were 227 attacks on churches throughout Lancashire and many are said to have been turned into Fort Knox to keep the vandals out.

In the past two years eight churches in East Lancashire were targeted by fire bugs in incidents which caused up to £500,000 worth of damage.

Although damage at St Matthew's is estimated at only £200, church officials are counting their blessings that it did not result in severe damage being caused to the church.

Verger Ernie Harling said: "We don't know who long it was burning but luckily it went up like a chimney and burnt itself out. It could have been a total disaster."

The fire is a new more sinister stage in a catalogue of problems and vandalism at the church just off Manchester Road.

Only a few months ago a statue of Jesus was pulled off a plinth outside the church and smashed into three pieces. It has since been replaced.

Mr Harling said there had been problems with graffiti on the church doors and youngsters playing football on the paved area outside the church even during services.

"When you try to reason with them all you get is cheek and from 13-14 year olds, both boys and girls," said Mr Harling. He added: "Some people sadly have no respect for the church any more, it has gone. Parishioners will be shocked by what has happened, it is not something you look forward to or expect to happen."

The Bishop of Burnley, the Rt Rev John Goddard, said: "I would wish to record my sadness to hear that one of my parish churches has suffered in this way.

"It is a parish which particularly tries to be outgoing to the community of its area."

The bishop said it was sad that the days had gone when they could no longer keep the churches open. "I only wish it were possible" he said, adding: "This sort of thing just underlines how necessary it is to take precautions. It is a sad reflection of society, perhaps." , which attacks a building respected and honoured by people."

Police are investigating the incident.

Det Sgt Steve Earnshaw said someone put commercial firelighters through the small gap in the door framer and used a match to ignite them.

Police were appealing for witnesses to the incident which happened between 7pm on Sunday and 11am on Monday.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Burnley CID on 01282 472144 or tell Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111.