A RURAL community has been urged to consider establishing a Neighbourhood Watch network to thwart vandals responsible for repeated attacks on the village church.

Gravestones at St Agatha's, in Easby, near Richmond, North Yorkshire, have been damaged in the past, while police have confirmed that paraphernalia associated with drug abuse has been found in the area before.

But, despite increased vigilance, there have been more reports of break-ins and damage.

Intruders have tried to set bell ropes, window cords and noticeboards alight, prayer books have been torn up and security lighting ripped from its mountings.

In the latest incident, fire extinguishers were sprayed around the inside of the church, while those responsible also defecated on the carpet in front of the altar.

The doors at St Agatha's are locked when the building is not in use.

Clergy are considering the installation of security cameras to deter the culprits - thought to be local youths.

Police are urging people in the area to set up a Neighbourhood Watch project.

"These schemes work and information on criminal activity is passed on to police straightaway, which helps us do our job and catch the criminals," said Sergeant Richard O'Neill.

Anyone who may be able to help officers investigating the most recent incident is asked to telephone (01748) 823055, or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111.