A VICAR has praised the Ainsworth community for their "overwhelming" kindness after a church was hit by thieves.

During an overnight raid, four petrol lawn mowers, two strimmers, a leaf blower and other equipment was stolen from a storehouse belonging to Christ Church Ainsworth, setting the congregation back by an estimated £1,000.

However, since the break-in at Sexton's shed on Sunday, August 25, a number of donations of equipment have been made and a fundraising page has been set up by the organisers of Ainsworth Village Day to recuperate costs.

A huge £765 has already been raised via the Just Giving page.

Rev Dave Thomson said: "I'm overwhelmed by the expressions of support from local people. It clearly shows how much they appreciate the hard work of our churchyard team."

The equipment stolen was used by a team of about 20 volunteers who maintain the church grounds including the graveyard. The dedicated team were back at work the morning after the theft, using their own equipment to carry out tasks.

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/gardening-equipment.