A LOCAL chapel was wrecked by a young couple who carried out a campaign of raiding churches to pay for their own wedding, a court heard last week, writes Andy Sherwill.

While nothing was stolen from Llancloudy Methodist Church, the damage caused by the couple smashing down the door to the 100 year-old-church, has now left its congregation with a massive £500 repair bill.

Newlyweds Jamie and Jolene Andrews, 21 and 25, from Maylord Orchards in Hereford, appeared at Hereford Crown Court, for stealing £2,000 cash from collection plates to spend on their own wedding.

The couple admitted charges of burglary and attempted burglary from nine churches between August and September last year and the groom was sentenced to 10 months in prison, while the bride received a longer sentence of a year.

The church, which is across the border in Herefordshire but is included as part of the Monmouthshire parish, is led by the Superintendent Minister of Monmouth Reverend Barry Smith.

Afterwards Rev Barry said that so many people in society today don't seem to care what hurts other people as long as they are all right. He added: "Luckily for us the damage was to the church's back door and hasn't disrupted services.

"While nothing was stolen from Llancloudy Chapel, the cost of repairs has had to be met by ourselves and our insurers as well as the extra work our property secretary has had to do.

"The repair work has taken a long time to get fixed as builders are reluctant to do small jobs like this.

Rev Barry concluded: "If this young couple really love one another, then perhaps the vow they should be making to one another before God, is to give up crime.

"It is shocking that this has happened. This pair have obviously got off to a bad start to married life."