Defiant Cradley worshippers have been putting their brollies up in the pews after their church roof was stripped by thieves causing tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Two thirds of the lead roof at St Peter's Church in Church Road has been snatched in a series of daylight raids over the last month, leaving it open to the elements, with a massive repair bill and in danger of closure.

Reverend Anthony Pettit said water is pouring into the building which is over 200 years old.

But stoic worshippers have continued to attend services, putting their umbrellas up to keep the rain off.

Rev Pettit caught one lot of raiders red-handed.

The quick-thinking vicar phoned police on his mobile and the culprits were arrested. One thief even penned a note of apology to the congregation. But different raiders have continued targeting the church.

Rev Pettit said a bid to raise £350,000 for a church revamp had been devastated as cash would have to be sidelined to cover the cost of roof repairs.

He said: "We are back to square one.

"I feel sad that people would want to do this to their building - it belongs to everyone.

"If it's going to be attacked like this it's not going to be there when people need it."

Rev Pettit appealed for the community to rally round the church to prevent further thefts.

He said: "We need the people of Cradley to keep an eye open and report it otherwise they will end up losing their church through the damage.

"We can't have a church without a roof.

"It's coming up to wedding season - the last thing a bride wants is the rain pouring in on her wedding day."

Worshipper Margaret Bloomer said: "It's very traumatic and upsetting."

Rev Pettit said discussions were underway over costings and how to repair the roof with something other than lead. Only £15,000 of the damage is covered by insurance.

Sergeant Michael Morse, of Halesowen police, said two boys aged 15 and 16 had been reprimanded and given a final warning after they were caught stripping the roof on April 19.

He said: "It is a despicable crime but it seems to be a crime trend nationally due to the rising costs of lead.

"If anyone sees anything untoward, not only at the church, but anywhere that has a lead roof they should contact police."