The community has rallied together to raise over £400 for a church that was recently vandalised.

A crowdfunding page was set up to raise funds to help Broughton Baptist Church recover from an attack on August 2, which saw a trail of destruction through the church, with framed pictures trashed, hymn and prayer books ripped apart, children's games destroyed, a lectern toppled off the pulpit and green paint splattered up the walls.

Five knives were also stolen, including three with eight inch blades.

Adrian Davis-Johnston saw the Times & Star article online and set up the justgiving page. Within minutes donations began pouring in from residents and well wishers and 86% of its £500 target was raised after just a day.

The current total, after two days, stands at £430.

Broughton resident Mr Davis-Johnston, 37, said: "I grew up in Great Broughton and back in the late 80s and 90s my sister and I went to a youth club there. Joe used to run it and I thought they did so much for the village it's such a shame that the damage has been done and I thought people would give a couple of quid or so to pay for new books or whatever they want to do with it."

The amounts have quickly escalated, surprising Mr Davis-Johnston. He said: "I didn't think there would be such a fast reaction. I was taken aback, but I'm really pleased with the response. We are a proper community in Broughton, we do look out for each other."

"Broughton is a great place to bring up kids, Christ Church has started a youth group, which is great, and the village kids have a respect for their village, there is a good school and various clubs and activities and on days like carnival days there is such a sense of community.

"I wouldn't like to think it was Broughton people that did it, it's been lovely to see the village come together and show their support."

"I've known Joe since I was about 10, they used to do all sorts of things at the church. I have fond memories of all they used to do for the kids."

Anyone that would like to give a donation to the church recovery can do so at: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/broughtonbaptist