THIEVES have tried to rip apart a church roof to get to the copper.

They targeted All Saints’ Church in Shrub End Road, Colchester, overnight from 6pm on Monday, April 30 and 9am on May 1.

They got away with some copper but it was security marked and is therefore worthless as it can't be sold on.

However the attempts caused damage and the roof of the annex to leak just days before an art exhibition was due to be held.

The exhibition will be able to go ahead after members of the congregation helped save the day.

Police are appealing for anyone with information to call Colchester police station on 101.

See the full story and pictures in Thursday's Gazette.