CHURCHGOERS were devastated after vandals launched an attack on their place of worship.

Bricks, stones and lumps of granite rained down on the United Reform Church, in Northallerton, in the late night assault.

Valuable Victorian stained glass was shattered as more than 40 missiles were thrown at the building, which is off the High Street.

Minister The Reverend John Parker described the attack as a kick in the teeth for a church that does a lot for the local community.

He said: "It was horrific. The place was lathered in glass in our meeting and coffee rooms, which are used a lot by the public. It was all shattered.

"Repairs will be done as soon as possible but everything has been boarded up in the meantime.

"We are having to live with huge holes in the hall windows."

The church has previously been attacked by vandals and has to spend up to £2,000-a-year on replacement glass for the hall.

In the past, bricks have even been thrown while the congregation was at worship.

Mr Parker said the church had attracted a lot of problems caused by young people.

He said: "The anti-social behaviour has got to be taken seriously and those who say there are no problems should spend a bit of time in the town centre and see for themselves."

The attack happened as police were preparing to use new powers to crack down on groups of youths causing trouble or nuisance as part of a pilot scheme for the county.

They allow officers to disperse groups of two or more people, who can be made to leave the area.

Inspector Simon Lovell, of North Yorkshire Police, said: "We are doing all we can, including looking at CCTV footage, and will make our best efforts to catch those responsible for this."

He said that new crime prevention measures were being put in place to allay people's fears and ensure there was no repeat of the incident