YOBS have forced toddlers and worshippers to take refuge by submitting their church to a reign of vandalism. Fr Patrick Adams has gradually transformed St Justus Church, Strood, into a high-security fortress.

Only days after he had the reinforced steel doors sprayed with graffiti-proof paint, hooligans struck again over the weekend - this time daubing obscenities at the entrance of the church in Clifton Close.

The defiant Roman Catholic priest is now praying that residents living nearby will help catch the culprits, after spending thousands of pounds over the years in repairs. Meshed wire protects the stained glass, security cameras have been installed on the roof, doors have been reinforced with steel plates and bars have been put up at the windows.

According to parishioner Maria Farrugia, the situation has "got beyond a joke". Wiping away tears Mrs Farrugia, 67, said: "It was as we were going into Mass on Sunday that we saw the door had been vandalised. It has gone from bad to worse.

"In the past they have urinated in the holy water and shouted outside while we were having a special service praying for lost relatives. We have even had to cancel Midnight Mass at Christmas because of drunken yobs breaking in."

The vandals have also wreaked havoc at the church nursery next door where youngsters play in a hall with padlocked doors and wire-meshed windows. Teacher Penny Modena, who runs the St Justus Montessori School, said: "It is not nice that little children have to play with wires around the windows.

"Even our little vegetable garden was dug up and before we let the children out we have to search for broken glass and cans. By the time we have finished trying to make the place safe it will look like Colditz."