A Shropshire church is insisting it is ‘business as usual’ after worshippers disturbed a burglary in progress.

The burglar was spotted as a worshipper arrived to prepare for the 8.00am service last Sunday. Police were called and the burglar fled. Despite media reports, Lichfield Diocese's press office said no hymn books or Bibles were thrown or brandished at the intruder.

The thief entered the church by breaking a leaded window above the door to the church. The burglar made off with a bottle of whisky, a left-over raffle prize, and a large glass jar in which parishioners had been collecting loose change. The money has since been recovered by West Mercia Police. Some £500 worth of damage was caused.

Church Warden Christine Lawlor laughed off some of the media reports and insisted that it’s ‘business as usual’ at the Church which is preparing for its Christmas service.

Mrs Lawlor said: “Everybody would be very welcome to come to our Christmas Tree Festival this weekend, and they come safe in the knowledge that we won’t throw hymn books or Bibles at them!”

The Christmas Tree Festival at the church takes place from 10.00am to 5.30pm on Saturday and from midday to 4.00pm on Sunday. Admission is £2.00, which includes admission to a Christmas Carol Concert by the Morningside Ladies Choir with guests at 7.30pm on Saturday night.

The church is also hosting the Telford Lions Carol Service at 6.00pm on Sunday evening.

On Christmas Eve the Bishop of Shrewsbury, the Rt Revd Mark Rylands, will preside at Midnight Mass, beginning at 11.30pm.