WORK has begun on a grade I-listed church after it was repeatedly targeted by lead thieves.

St Edmund’s Church in Sedgefield fell victim to raids in 2017, leaving the church roof and internal redecoration of the north transept stripped.

A large sheet of lead was cut off the north transept along with an eight metre strip from the ridge.

Less than one week after the theft was discovered, a further 16 square metres was found to be missing.

Durham Police said the historic 13th century church, suffered both internal and external damage after a large amount of lead was stolen from the roof of the north transept.

The damage was discovered by churchwarden Brian Mutch who climbed the roof of the tower to check a problem with the flagpole.

He condemned the culprits as “avaricious individuals with no respect for centuries of local history”.

The damage caused water to seep into the building, threatening roof timbers of the parish church – which is widely considered one of the most beautiful in the region and houses a 17th-century carved, wooden chancel screen and an octagonal font made of Frosterley marble.

Following the damage, the community banded together to raise the £30,000 needed for repairs.

Their efforts included a charity performance by the Sage Gateshead Chamber Choir at St Edmund’s Church, in Spring of this year.

The performance raised £840 to go towards church repairs.

Church officials said they were extremely grateful to those who fundraised and donated.

It is understood restoration of the building is planned to be completed this month.

Restoration specialists have moved on to the site of St Edmund’s Church and erected scaffolding to remove the temporary covering which has protected the roof of the north transept since the theft.

Specially-coated stainless steel – which is not as attractive to thieves – will then be used to cover the timbers.

Mr Mutch, who has special responsibility for church buildings in the parish of the Upper Skerne, said this week that work will then begin on renovating the interior walls which were badly marked by water.