Parishioners in Bodham have been left devastated after burglars broke into the village church and stole several religious items - including one which held particular sentimental value.

The congregation of All Saints church discovered the burglary when they turned up for a service on Sunday.

A door into the church had been forced open and a number of items - all of which were brass - were discovered missing.

They included a lectern, candlesticks, a collection plate - which dates back to the Victorian age - a jug and a piece that had been gifted to the church in memory of the parochial council secretary's late husband.

Reverend Philip Blamire said: 'It's very distressing for her and ourselves.

'We will bounce back from it of course but it's just pretty sickening. We feel particularly sad that anybody could think they could just break in and do that to a church.'

Mr Blamire said the stolen items would be replaced but some of the pieces would be substituted with wooden versions, as the church bank balance has been hit with the ensuing �500 insurance excess.

But he added he had been 'overwhelmed' by the messages of support from the village and the church had already received a private donation to help replace the pieces.

He said: 'That's not quite the point but it's nice to know the village is as disgusted as we are about it.'

Police are now appealing for information about the break in, which happened between 10.30am on Friday and 8.45am on Sunday. Call Richard Dawson at Fakenham police station on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.