CHURCH elders have hit out at vandals after a spate of attacks on an historic Deane church.

Over the last month the 90-year-old Hebron Christian Centre has been hit by vandals three times, leaving a bill which is believed to run into thousands of pounds.

On New Year's Day, part of the Mayor Street building was set alight when a group of youths broke into the church, and set hymn books and bibles alight in the entrance hall.

The fire spread to wooden door frames and carpets, but further damage to the church itself was prevented when a passerby alerted firefighters.

Then just one week later around six of the six feet windows at the rear of the building were smashed.

More recently, after the windows had been boarded up, the vandals struck again, smashing several windows at the front of the building, and climbing into the church.

They then set fire to curtains in the lounge area, damaging all the fittings in the room beyond repair.

The damage has affected youth groups at the centre and a Social Services support group for disabled people, which uses the building, had to be temporarily relocated.

Church leaders who include the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Cliff Morris, are still counting the cost of the attacks.

Community worker at the church Greg Hanley says it is "tragic" that the centre, built in 1910, has become a target for the yobs.

He added: "But it would appear that we are not the only victims. There has also been a spate of car break-ins and other minor damage in the area. We just seem to be very vulnerable to it around here at the moment."

Mr Hanley is now calling for an increased police presence in the area to deter the vandals from returning.

He said: "They would not do it if there was a greater police presence in the community.

"If they can return within three days of one attack and do it again, there is obviously more that can be done. It makes you think they can do as they please."