A church in Yorkshire says it is still feeling the negative impacts of a lead theft which occurred in 2007.

St John’s in Penistone says it needs to fund £75,000 worth of repairs to its roof, which has significantly deteriorated without the lead. The sum is in addition to £100,000 already raised through grants and events. 

Vicar Rev David Hopkin told BBC Yorkshire that after the theft, his church could only afford a short-term felt fix, which has worn thin.

"Seventeen years ago we couldn't afford to put the lead back or even the stainless steel, because at that time there were a lot of lead thefts and the insurance wouldn't pay up the amount we needed,” he said.

"The felt has not held out against the elements, leading to water ingress that now threatens the structural integrity of this historic site."

The building is Grade I listed, dating back to the 1300s. Its roof was replaced during the Tudor period.

The space has been described as “integral” to the community, with the Mayor of Penistone, Hannah Kitching, urging locals to pitch in to “ensure that St John's continues to serve as a place of solace, celebration, and community for generations to come."