A NORTH-EAST church, once known as the miners' cathedral, is being plagued by vandalism.

In the latest attack on St Mary's, at Horden, walls were daubed with graffiti, paint was thrown at doors and windows, and carefully-tended gardens were reduced to a glass-strewn rubbish tip.

The young culprits, who hurl abuse at anyone who challenges them, have smashed drain covers and placed broken glass down waste pipes.

Church officials have lost count of the number of attacks carried out on the stone building, which was built in 1913.

They say this latest assault has devastated the congregation.

An elder of the church, whose home was attacked when he spoke out about earlier vandalism, said that because of the enclosed nature of the back of St Mary's, youngsters were able to perpetrate their damaging attacks in secrecy.

A church member said: "It is heartbreaking the attacks have cost thousands of pounds to put right. It is money which could have been spent doing so much good.''

Protective covers have been installed over windows, but they have been daubed with paint.

Rare roof tiles have been smashed, and jagged glass bottle necks have been planted into lawns and flower beds.

As a group of parishioners began cleaning up after the weekend attack, police promised to step up patrols.

With clear evidence that the drinking of alcohol had taken place, Sergeant Kevin Langan said they would be targeting off-licences.

He said anyone caught damaging the church would face prosecution.

Sgt Langan appealed to the public for assistance, and called on anyone with information to contact the police on (0191) 5862621.