A VICAR said he feels numbafter vandals smashed up a Newport church, taking money and a sacramental chalice.

Police were called to St Matthew’s Church, Church Road, Maindee, at 7.25am yesterday after vandals damaged the church overnight.

Father David Neale said he believes a vandal snuck in while a Slimming World class was on, before knocking over the font and smashing a window in the door to the church hall using a cloth from the altar to cover the glass.

He said a chalice and paten – a plate which goes on top of the chalice and bread is put on – were missing.

Kitchen cupboards were broken open and two jars belonging to Slimming World in the hall with around £80 in them were stolen. A key, otherwise kept safe in a glass box, was used to open a back door.

“I feel numb,” said the vicar.

“It’s a lot of work to clear up, in a sense for so little,” he said.

“I think someone came into the church while Swimming World was on last night – there’s sign of break-out but not break-in.”

He said he didn’t know the value of the damage, but believes it was probably around £500.

Jackie Mines, Slimming World consultant, said she left the property at 8.30pm on Wednesday and got to the church hall at 7am yesterday to start her support work.

She said when she came into the hall there was glass everywhere.

She said one jar was being used to raise money for Help a South Wales Child and contained around £50.

She said: “I feel disgusted.

They came in, they threw a lot of my stuff around.

“Our members have been collecting that money all year and it’s gone.”

Police said a panel in the hall was smashed and a chalice, a plate and charity collection boxes were stolen.

A spokeswoman said the incident is under investigation.

If you can help with information call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.