INTRUDERS have ransacked a Colburn church hall for the second time in a year.

St Cuthbert's Church was burgled twice last year and the church hall broken into once on a separate occasion.

But the hall also became a target for a second time overnight on Tuesday, when the door was forced and cupboards inside the building ransacked.

Nothing of value was missing as little is stored on the premises.

However, it is estimated it will cost between £600 and £700 to repair the damage, which also includes a window, which foiled the burglar's first attempt to force an entry.

Ward councillor Peter Wood described the culprit as "mindless".

"We don't have many break-ins in this area but it is the second time the church hall has been targeted - and I simply cannot understand why," he said.

"Whoever is doing this cannot be professional because there's nothing worth stealing anyway.

"I think it's disgusting anyone should break into a church anyway, especially when people work so hard on community facilities like this," he said.

Police have examined the scene and appealed for witnesses.

Anyone who heard or saw anything suspicious in the area can contact Richmond police or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111, where they may qualify for a reward.