WORSHIPPERS at St Paul's Church in Cwm are distraught after a valuable stained-glass window was smashed.

The Reverend Peter Abbott said church members feel as if their own homes have been desecrated following the attack and break-in at the church at the weekend.

"The church is a holy place and we are all very upset," he told the Argus. It is believed the window will cost at least £2,000 to repair.

The damage was discovered by an elderly woman, who was preparing the church for the morning service early on Sunday.

She found the main stained glass window, which is behind the church altar, had been smashed.

"She was in terrible distress - she was absolutely broken-hearted," said Mr Abbott.

"This church was built more than 100 years ago when the village grew up around the pit and steelworks.

"There are some people who have been coming here for more than 80 years.

"They have kept this place going and it is their place of worship and part of their lives.

"It is as though their own homes have been desecrated." He added nothing was stolen from the church, but that it had been searched and vestments had been pulled out of drawers. "It took us two hours to clean up.

"It just seems as though there is no respect for something that we love and believe in."

Ebbw Vale police have been informed of the break-in and Mr Abbott praised officers for their handling of the incident.

"They were here within half an hour after we reported it and were very sensitive in the way they did everything," he said.

Crime and disorder reduction officer Mike Smith said: "It is a shame that premises like this are targeted and that an expensive glass window has been damaged beyond repair."

He said inquiries were on-going and that anyone with information should contact PC Ian Withers at Ebbw Vale police station on 01495 350999.