Religious leaders have been left feeling hurt after a cross used during Easter celebrations was stolen.

The large wooden cross has gone missing from the front of the Cuxton Community Church, in Bush Road, and church leaders are appealing for its return.

The cross went missing between the afternoon of Thursday April 7 and the morning of Sunday April 10.

It had been placed in a large planter at the front of the building, and was used as a ceremonial object during Easter and other services.

Janet Greaves, who is secretary and coordinator at the church, told the Messenger the cross did not have any value but was very important to members of the congregation.

She said: “It is not valuable but has sentimental value to us and we would like it back.

“We used to decorate it with flowers or the crown of thorns during ceremonies. It was a rugged cross. We have owned it for the past three or four years.”

Mrs Greaves revealed it was not the first time the cross had disappeared from the site.

A while ago the cross was found in a ditch in nearby Station Road, but was found by someone who knew where it belonged and it was returned.

This time the cross has not been found.

Mrs Greaves, added: “We just want it back.”