PLANS to protect windows and repair the tower at a vandal-plagued Blackburn church could cost up to £30,000.

And wardens have issued a desperate plea to the congregation to dig deep at this Sunday's annual Gift Day to help pay for the work.

Extensive damage was caused to the north side of St Silas' CE Parish Church, in Preston New Road, towards the end of last year when almost 30 small windows were smashed.

The costly vandalism, believed to have been caused by children, is currently part of an insurance claim.

But, in order to protect the windows from future attacks, the church is looking into covering them with poly-carbonate sheeting.

Church warden Alan Inglis said: "The windows at the back of the church have been subject to a fair degree of vandalism. It's little 'chavs' who think it's fun to throw stones.

"It's sad that this money will have to be found from church funds, and it's certainly an expense we could do without."

At the Gift Day, members of the congregation are usually asked to give a special contribution as a thank you to the church.

But this year it is hoped the money will act as a springboard for future funding to pay for the work on the windows, as well as repairing the church tower, which has deteriorated due to the wind and rain over the years.

Mr Inglis added: "The fundraising doesn't finish on Sunday. We're hoping to go on for as long as it takes, and we're asking people to either raise funds themselves, or make a donation."

Sunday's Gift Day services will be held at 9am and 10.30am. Anyone wishing to donate can contact Canon Arthur Ranson on 01254 671293.