A CHESHIRE church is facing a £25,000 repair bill after heartless thieves stole a "substantial" amount of lead from the roof.

The incident, which happened at St Laurence Church, Frodsham, was made worse when there was a subsequent flood within the church building.

Cheshire Police Rural Crime Team is now urging the public to be vigilant following the heritage crime.

Writing on Facebook, Sgt Rob Simpson from the crime team said "considerable damage" had been caused to the roof as a result of the lead theft.

Sgt Simpson added: "When someone steals from a listed or protected site, building or monument, its a crime against all of us. They are stealing our shared history.

"The impact on the community can be devastating too, so please keep an eye on our history and report anything suspicious."

An appeal to raise funds for the repair has been set up, and people can donate here.