Metal thieves have continued their hit on churches across the UK, stripping metal from a church roof just days before a massive restoration project was due to be completed.

Thieves targetted St Mary's Church in Garsington on Tuesday night, stealing copper and lead from the roof and guttering of the 12th century holy building.

The damage to the church has been disheartening to the congregation, coming at a time when many were preparing to celebrate the completion of restoration work on the church costing more than £200,000. The thieves, however, have caused damage estimated at £50,000 just a week before the work's conclusion.

The famous church was used for the wedding scene in the hit film Amazing Grace, but now the church's historical parapet stonework has been smashed and dislodged by the thieves.

The church said it hopes the damage costs will be covered by insurance and further fundraising.

Church Warden Mike Rothery branded the thieves "mindless vandals", according to the BBC.

A special celebration service for the church's completed restoration was scheduled for 14 October. This is now likely to be postponed until the new repairs have taken place.

In a statement, Rothery added: "We cannot any longer say that the works are nearly complete, and will give a revised date as soon as we are able to."