A "SELFISH act" has left a team of hardworking church volunteers bereft of their tools and equipment.

Four petrol lawn mowers, two petrol strimmers and a leaf blower have been stolen from a storehouse belonging to Christ Church Ainsworth.

An assortment of gardening tools had also been taken, to the disappointment of the congregation, which has long served the Ainsworth community.

The churchyard team arrived at the graveyard in Church Street yesterday morning to find that their outbuilding, known as the Sexton's shed, had been broken into.

The overall cost of the theft is estimated to have set the church back by more than £1,000.

Rev Dave Thomson said: "Our team of volunteers works hard to keep our churchyard looking good for the benefit of those with loved ones buried there, but also for the community generally.

"Until we can replace the stolen equipment, they will struggle to keep on top of the workload. So, at a stroke, one selfish act by someone out to make a quick buck undermines the support we provide to bereaved families.

"Over the years Christ Church has served our local community well, in times of joy and sorrow. Hopefully, the local community can now help us. If anyone has any information that might help the police catch the thieves, please let us know."

It is believed the thieves struck some time between Sunday night and Monday morning.

Rev Thomson says he has reported the incident to Greater Manchester Police.

He praised the churchyard team who, he says, "soldiered on" despite the setback. The volunteers were out in force yesterday morning, carrying out their usual tasks with their own mowers.

The team of about 20 usually employs itself with mowing, strimming, weeding, litter picking, cleaning the older headstones, collecting leaves and ensuring the general upkeep of the grounds. They meet on Wednesday morning and on the last Saturday of each month, come rain or shine.

Rev Thomson said: "New volunteers are always welcome. They might look glum in the photo, but they are a friendly bunch and enjoy themselves whilst working. Indeed, earlier this month, a few of them joined a small one-off working party to tackle the overgrown churchyard at St Mary's, Radcliffe."

Financial contributions and donations of gardening tools and battery- or petrol-operated equipment are also welcome.

To volunteer, or donate, visit the Facebook page Christ Church Ainsworth.

The Radcliffe Times has contacted Greater Manchester Police.