HISTORIC flags that have paved the way to a popular Blackburn church for over a century have been stolen.

Church leaders at St Mark's in Buncer Lane said it was a "sad reflection of the times" and appealed for anyone with information to contact the police.

Five of the rectangular quarried stone flags are now missing from the Witton church grounds.

It is believed thieves struck during the early hours of last Thursday morning.

Paul Blackledge, church warden at St Mark's, said: "We think the flags have been stolen to order, they won't be worth much to anybody else but they have a historical value as the flagstones have been undisturbed for over 100 years.

"With the sheer weight of them we think there must have been more than one person involved.

"It's unfortunately a sad reflection as a sign of the times.

"We had a funeral yesterday and people just thought we were doing groundwork.

"It looks very unsightly, we will have to get them replaced but would love for the ones that have been taken to be returned and put back where they belong."

A spokesman for Blackburn police said: "We received a report to say that very old paving stones worth around £200 had been stolen from the church grounds.

"Five stones 4ft by 3ft, were taken. The matter is still being investigated and we are appealing for anyone who was in the area that night and saw anybody taking the flags to get in contact with us."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Blackburn Police on 01254 51212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.