A CHURCHWARDEN has transformed Winsford's oldest church into a fortress to beat a plague of crime.

For nearly 500 years St Chad's Church has abided by the Church of England's open door policy to welcome all visitors.

But that has changed because of a rising tide of crime which has led to thousands of pounds worth of damage and seen ancient and priceless artefacts stolen or sent to a museum for safe-keeping.

Irreplacable Medieval windows have been smashed, technical equipment has been stolen and on one occasion thieves took cash which had been raised to help starving children in the Third World.

Now churchwarden Glyn Vernon has introduced hi-tech surveillance equipment.

A £4,000 upgrade to spy cameras fitted early in the year has been completed, providing blanket 24-hour coverage from nine cameras.

Mr Vernon said: 'Sadly the days of leaving the church door open are long gone.

'Break-ins and vandalism have been a real problem for us.

'It has been continuous. We have had a lot of windows broken and PA equipment stolen.

'They even stole the deaf loop which connects to the system for people with hearing difficulties.

'The worst incident was when an ancient artefact called the Parish Chest was stolen. I think that was a professional job. Someone might see something at a christening and come back for it.'

Police have placed the church, isolated a quarter of a mile from Swanlow Lane, on Gold Alert priority for police patrols.

Other security measures at the church, which was built in 1543, include lighting a new gate and bollards at the entrance.

Mr Vernon added: 'Nobody can get in without being seen. We did this as a deterrent and it seems to be working.'