THE community of Newland has been shattered by the theft of £6,000-worth of lead from the roof of Newland All Saints Church.

The beautiful and historic building, parts of which date back to the early 13th century, is affectionately known as the Cathedral of the Forest.

It is currently undergoing renovation work on the roof of the South Aisle which has involved extensive scaffolding. The lead was stolen from this area between 4.45pm on Thursday March 25 and 7.45am on Friday March 26.

Vicar the Rev Canon David Lawrence said on Monday: "It looks as though they took advantage of the covering on the scaffolding. Normally access is by a ladder which is taken away in the evcening, but they must have brought their own ladder.

"There was only a bit of additional damage where the lead was thrown down from the roof. We will have a site meeting on Wednesday to discuss with the contractors how we go ahead. Obviously it's a setback.

"Needless to say our security will be improved from now on."

Police would like to talk to anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious – they shoukd call 0845 090 1234 quoting incident 157 of March 26. Alternatively Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The Church of All Saints was begun in the early 1200s. King John appointed Robert of Wakering as first rector in 1216.

The original small building was expanded during the next 200 years to the size and shape of the present church.

A major restoration in the 1860s widened the chancel arch and slightly raised the roof of the nave.

Major fundraising by the Friends of the Cathedral of the Forest and gifts from charitable funds have helped the current restoration work which is still in need of further funding. The Friends are planning their annual meeting on April 19 (7pm) and would welcome new members as well as donations – details on website http://www.allsaints">www.allsaints

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•A surge in thefts of metal has come to the attention of Forest police.

As well as Newland Church, lead was taken from the roof of Coleford Cinema over the weekend, a large quantity of copper gas piping stolen from outside a house in Nailbridge and more lead stripped from a property in Lydney bought as a charity shop by the Great Oaks Dean Forest Hospice.

Inspector Chris Thorley said: "The price of scrap metal is quite high so we know there's money in it. We're working closely with local scrapyards and we'd ask members of the public to keep an eye out and report anything suspicious. Obviously most of the metal is taken at night when its less obvious."R