AN invasion of rare bats is threatening to close a 1,000-year-old church.
Parishioners at St Hilda's Church, in Ellerburn, near Pickering, North Yorkshire, are concerned for their health after Natterer's bats burrowed their way in through gaps in the walls.
The bats litter the church with droppings each night.
Attendance at services has fallen because of fears about the health risk, especially for children.
Three voluntary cleaning ladies, two in their eighties, are threatening to resign over the mess.
Under European law, it is an offence to destroy or obstruct an access used by bats.
Churchgoer John Grimble, 79, said: "If we can't find a solution, we will be forced to lock up this beautiful church where folk have worshipped for more than 1,000 years."
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