POLICE are appealing for help to catch a thief who took a woman's handbag while she was helping to clean a church. The 76-year-old woman was at Holy Trinity Church in Sheerness with another volunteer when the thief struck.

The bag contained £32 and several credit cards. A police spokeswoman said the victim, who lives in Sheerness, had seen a man praying in the church earlier and was concerned because he looked upset. She took some rubbish outside and, when she returned, found her handbag was missing.

The woman said later: "I feel terrible and very upset. You would not think a thing like this would happen in the house of God." The offender is believed to be a white male, aged between 30 and 40. He was wearing a light coloured anorak.

Anyone with information about the theft is asked to contact Swale police on 01795 477055 or Crime Stopppers on 0800 555111.