THE West Somerset Food Cupboard was targeted by would-be burglars on Tuesday night - leaving church leaders facing a bill of at least several hundred pounds.

Although nothing was stolen, damage was caused to the charity's base at St Michael the Archangel Church in Alcombe.

"Whoever did this smashed a window, breaking the glass and damaging the leaded light, " said the vicar, the Rev Stephen Stuckes.

"It was quite a mess and we think they may have been trying to reach in to get into some of the boxes.

"The problem is that although we are covered by insurance, there is a £350 excess fee to pay and the funds will have to be found for that and possibly more if the repairs end up costing more.

"No actual food was taken but we are very sad that this has happened.

"It is something of an irony since we give the food away to anyone in need.

"If only this person had asked, we would have provided the food they were trying to take."

The West Somerset Food Cupboard provides parcels of non-perishable items for those struggling to make ends meet.

Mr Stuckes said it was the main charitable source of food for those in need in West Somerset and a recent appeal had been aimed at providing some extra festive fare for people.

"A huge effort has been underway to collect funds and food to distribute more than 200 boxes this Christmas to ensure people don't go hungry.

"Our aim is to distribute the food as soon as possible but obviously we have to store it for a while, particularly at this time of year when we are preparing to hand parcels out for a specific time.

"Local people have been so generous - this is just such a shame."

Anyone wanting to help the charity's appeal can make a donation at the church.

l Church warden Sue Smith is pictured by the damaged window with one of the festive food parcels which will be distributed in time for Christmas.