A VILLAGE church which had thousands of pounds' worth of antique furniture stolen is raising funds for a new security system.

Danby Wiske Church, which was broken into two years ago, holds an auction next Friday to raise money for an alarm and sensor system.

In 2002, thieves broke in overnight and stole two seventeenth century bishops' chairs, a desk, a captain's chair and a credence table made by Thompson's of Kilburn and carrying the famous "mouseman" motif.

Unable to get the furniture out of the door through which they broke in, the thieves caused extensive damage by drilling through the main entrance door.

Earlier this year, parishioners welcomed a new desk and captain's chair, but as yet have been unable to replace the table or the bishops' chairs.

The decision was made to install security measures to protect the replacements, but the church now needs to raise £500 to pay for the system.

"We feel a lot more secure with the new system in place," said churchwarden Shirley Dale, "but we would rather it hadn't been necessary. We strongly believe the church should be open to whoever needs it, but unfortunately something had to be done.

"We are so pleased to have the replacement furniture but have to take steps to protect it. When the thieves came last time it was terrible. It was awful that someone had come into our church and not treated it with the proper respect."

The auction takes place in the village hall at 7.30; viewing is from 6pm. For details, contact Mrs Dale on 01609 771117.