A vicar in Wednesbury said today he was saddened and sickened after metal thieves stripped his church roof of lead.

Father Kevin Palmer said members of the congregation at St James’ Church felt robbed by the attack on the Lady Chapel roof on Saturday night.

“We think the theft took place on Saturday evening, during my birthday celebrations,” he said.

“While people were enjoying themselves, the church was being stripped of lead. Now we have to try and think about how to raise the cash. We have to just hope that it doesn’t rain.” Gavin Drake, director of communications at the Diocese of Lichfield, was hopeful the metal would be recovered.

”It is quite a shame to see this kind of thing.

“These buildings are historic and they mean an awful lot to the people in the area.

“The thieves who have done this will get an awful lot less than £5,000 for it, so I cannot see their logic in trying to take it.”

The congregation at nearby St Bartholomew’s Church have raised £8,000 towards a £75,000 repair bill after metal thieves struck last December.