THE actions of a would-be thief who made a failed attempt to break open collection boxes in St George's Church, Dunster have been captured on CCTV footage.

The culprit, a young woman believed to be in her late teens or early 20s, entered by the church's north door just before 3pm last Thursday.

The footage shows her moving a votive candle stand away from the wall to get at the padlock of a money box incorporated into it.

After failing to break the padlock she moves on to the 'poor box' opposite the door to the south porch but, again, is unsuccessful.

Finally she is seen turning her attention to a large metal chest but is also unable to break the padlock on it and eventually leaves empty-handed.

Churchwarden Laurie Hambrook said fortunately nothing was stolen in the incident but he hoped people would keep an eye out for anything suspicious.

Police have issued an appeal for witnesses and a description of the woman, who has blond hair, which was tied back in a 'topknot' on the day of the incident, and is of sturdy build.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Minehead police station on 0845 456 7000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.