FOLLOWING a story in the Bromsgrove Advertiser about a spate of vandalism at a town church hall, kind-hearted readers have leapt in to save the day.

Over a three-day spell in November last year, seven windows at All Saints' Church Hall in Burcot Lane were smashed after bricks were thrown at them. On one of the nights the hall was occupied by members of Bromsgrove Arts Society. Around £320 worth of damage was caused.

Once he heard about the destruction, Worcestershire County Councillor Anthony Blagg went about raising a grant of £2,500 from the council's funds while the Bournville Trust donated £700 towards the repairs after one of its members, Ron Bearman, had seen the damage for himself.

Reverend Christine Holzapfel, vicar at All Saints' said: "We are extremely grateful for the donations because the church wouldn't have been able to afford to pay for the repairs. The money allowed us to carry out all of the work needed." 

Church warden at All Saints' Sue Ward said that the church would like to publicly thank the people who donated money and that it was open for business as usual.

She added that the church now has some vacancies if local groups are interested in hiring it out for their meetings or activities. Those who are can call Tony Turpin on 01527 876659.