VANDALS have damaged an historic North Wiltshire church.

Unknown offenders targeted the chancel in Leigh which dates to the 13th century.

The chancel, which has been unused since 1896, is left unlocked for passing walkers to enjoy and is maintained by the Churches Conservation Trust

Leigh parish’s Reverend Susie Tipper, who has been in the parish for 37 years, said the vandals damaged some of the internal fixings.

“It’s nice that it was kept open and walkers could go and look inside it as it’s such an ancient and historic building”, she said.

“But it’s an enormous shame that someone would want to do that, but sadly this is what happens.”

The Reverend said there were now concerns that the building would have to remain locked.

“It’s a shame but most churches are locked quite a lot of the time anyway now.”

“We have four churches in our benefice and two of them are locked most of the time and two are open during the day, it allows people to go in there which is always nice.”

The incident is being investigated by the Churches Conservation Trust.