A CHURCH plagued by vandals has warned it will no longer be turning the other cheek and has installed closed circuit television.

St Agatha's at Easby, near Richmond, was targeted so frequently that clergy were forced to call an end to a centuries-old "open house" tradition by locking the doors when there were no services.

On one occasion, intruders defecated on the carpet in front of the altar.

Bell ropes, the church notice board and window cords have also been set alight in the past. Prayer books have been ripped and strewn around the historic building while, outside, gravestones have been smashed or knocked over and security lighting ripped from the walls.

Paraphernalia normally associated with drug abuse has also been found in the area.

A Neighbourhood Watch network has already been set up and police patrols have been making random checks.

However, the new surveillance cameras appear to be having an impact with a dramatic drop in the number of incidents reported around the church since they were installed.

"There has certainly been a improvement," said spokes-man Peter Bellairs.

"It has been enough to prompt the clergy to agree to open the doors once more during the day so we can return to the tradition of providing the area with somewhere to go for quiet reflection or prayer."

The cameras are switched on 24 hours a day, with links established with police in Richmond.

However, the community is now faced with the task of raising £1,500 to cover the cost - and it is hoped events over the coming weekend will help.

The main attraction is a flower festival in the church reflecting 50 years of the Queen's reign, which opens this evening with a performance by Muker Silver Band.

The Richmond Operatic Society takes centre stage tomorrow evening with a Golden Jubilee service planned on Sunday.

Two paintings by Darlington artist Gina Morton have also been obtained; one will be raffled while sealed bids will be invited for the other.

Strawberry teas will also be on sale and visitors are invited to follow A Golden Garden Trail around some of the houses of Easby village.

"Some of the money will go to other causes but we are certainly hoping to raise a significant amount towards the cost of the cameras," said Mr Bellairs.