Money donated by church goers remembering lost loved ones has been stolen by a thief who also smashed a stained glass window.

The crime was branded despicable by the wardens at All Saints in Eastchurch.

Two collection boxes were stolen from the High Street building after an intruder forced their way inside.

They got in at a rear corner on the left-hand side of the church, which is difficult to see from the front and from Warden Road at the side.

It is thought the two stolen containers, one of which was on the visitors’ table and the other at the pricket stand where people give a donation to light candles, had between £15 and £20 inside which was for church funds.

The bottom part of the stained glass window, which is estimated to be more that 150 years old, was smashed and if that can be fixed it will cost between £300 and £400.

If the whole window needs to be replaced it will be in the region of £1,000.

The break in happened between 12.45pm on Sunday, May 26, and 2.20pm the following day.

Wardens Michael Coles and Anthony Padman believe the thief may be the same person who was seen trying to kick in the window the previous Tuesday – but ran off after being shouted at.

A brick was found on the ground which could have been used to break the glass.

“The bigger damage is the window and the history of it,” Mr Padman added.

“The Good Book says you must forgive everybody but it’s a bit difficult to be charitable to somebody who has done this to the church.

“It’s very cunning as you can’t see that spot from the road, which is why the intruder chose it.

“It’s heartbreaking because of the damage to the church – it’s a beautiful church.”

Mr Coles said it was a despicable theft. Kent Police is investigating the break in. Anyone with information should phone 101, quoting XY/016099/13.