VANDALS plunged a churchyard pathway into darkness on Saturday night when they attacked a set of lights.

One of the three bollard lights leading the way to the west door at St Michael and All Angels in Highworth was completely destroyed and will have to be dug out before it can be replaced an operation which could cost hundreds of pounds, said deputy churchwarden Don Leonard.

"It isn't the first time they have been damaged," he said. "They have given them a bit of a kicking before but usually it just breaks the bulbs and the ceramic inside." The lights are needed because the churchyard is dark and there are steps leading up from St Michael's Avenue.

"There is no light on that end of the footpath and it is quite intimidating for some of the more senior residents of Highworth. It is a bit dangerous."

The damage came just days before repairs are carried out on headstones that have been targeted by vandals in the past.

"We are all very annoyed," said Mr Leonard. "We have run drop in centres for the youngsters but they don't want to know. They prefer to sit out in the rain smoking cigarettes. We have better things to do with our time than going round repairing things all the time."

The incident has been reported to police and witnesses can call 01793 528111.