ONE burglary and a case of wanton vandalism at Ledbury Parish Church, in the space of just three months, could lead to CCTV being installed in the ancient place of worship.

The latest incident "left the church in a mess" when someone, or a group of people, entered the unlocked church, set off a fire extinguisher and covered the church piano in water. Church candles were also damaged.

The piano was not significantly damaged but it did require the services of a piano tuner afterwards.

In August, a thief at Ledbury Parish Church chiselled open the metal donations box, for votive candles, and stole approximately £50 in cash.

Now Ledbury's Priest-in-Charge, the Revd Keith Hilton-Turvey, is deciding what the best course of action should be, to prevent further incidents.

Mr Hilton-Turvey said: "We are going to keep the church open. We are looking at CCTV and taking advice, and if the advice is that we need CCTV, we'll take that advice."

He said that that CCTV cameras in the medieval church could "act as a deterrent" for people intent on mischief, while helping others to feel "relaxed" when they enter the building.

West Mercia police say the criminal damage to the church took place between 9am on Sunday, November 27 and 10.30am on Monday, November 28.

Anyone with information should phone police on the 101 number and quote the incident number

175S 281116.