A CLERGYMAN has spoken of his shock after vandals drove a crane through his church wall.

The wall of St Mary's Church in Wales, Portskewett, was knocked down when vandals started the crane which was parked beside roadworks near the church. They then drove it into the church's boundary wall on Sudbrook Road, just before 10pm on Saturday.

Canon Derek Jones, one of two clergymen covering the parish, said: "The council have been working on the road and left a crane machine by the church wall. Someone obviously started it up and smashed it into the boundary wall - they knocked about ten metres of wall down.

"I was alerted by the police and when I saw the damaged I was shocked. I think that someone saw the machinery there and saw the opportunity. I have difficulty understanding why people do such things. It seems to be a piece of fairly pointless vandalism - I don't know what on earth got into their heads, but when the police catch them we'll find out."

The cost of the damage has yet to be assessed. This is a setback for the church as a project to restore its roof is due to begin once funding has been secured.

Parishioners have been busy fund-raising to reach the £80,000 target to make the desperately needed repairs to the roof.

The canon hopes to secure most of the cash through funding for the National Heritage. Other work which needs to be done includes the lime rendering on the outside of the building.

Police are anxious to trace two boys, both thought to be aged around 15, seen in the area before the incident. Anyone who has any information about the incident should contact Caldicot police on 01291 430999.

PICTURE: The Rev Lyndon Harrison, one of two clergymen covering the parish, by the damaged wall of St Mary's Church, Portskewett