An historic Black Country church faces a £75,000 repair bill after lead thieves struck.

St Bartholomew Church, known as St Barts, in Wednesbury, was flooded after the thieves targeted the church last month.

Members of the congregation initially believed the cost to repair the damage would be around £20,000. But it has risen and they have since been told their insurance payout will only cover £15,000. Now the church is launching an appeal fund to cover the additional costs of the repairs.

Churchwarden and father-of-two Malcolm Dainty, 77, from Wood Green in Wednesbury said he was desperate to raise funds to repair the roof of the church.

“We are desperate for the money because the repairs are now a matter of urgency,” he said.

“At the time when I walked in and I saw what the thieves had done, I was just disgusted at the damage that had been caused.”

The building was flooded during heavy rain and forced to close as a result of the theft, forcing congregation members to meet in one of its chapels.

Among the worst affected areas of the church, included the nave, are the north and side aisles.

Mr Dainty added: “We have some very important items here in the church, including the pulpit which dates back to the 17th century.

“It really is a wonderful old church and I am hoping that people will support our fundraising attempts.

“The church will not be fitted with any more lead because we are fearful of future attacks.

“The sad thing is, we believe that we have had some lead taken from the building a good three or four times since the initial theft and that is what makes it even more upsetting for us.”

The church, on Church Hill, has been without a vicar since Rev Mark Bridgen left the post to work in Staffordshire in January.

The Diocese of Lichfield is continuing to search for a replacement and insists the future of the church is secure.

To donate money to the church, call the vicarage on 0121 556 0378.