A clothes bank in Lincoln Cathedral has been forced to close temporarily after every item was taken by a member of the public. 

The warm rail was set up as a donation point on Saturday to help those most in need navigate the winter months. But, within a day, all items had disappeared with members of the cathedral believing they were all taken by the same person. 

"We are very sad to announce that this afternoon every item from the warm rail was taken. Sadly, we believe that the items were taken by a single person," a cathedral spokesperson said on Facebook.

"Thank you to all who supported the rail by providing donations. 

"We are committed to supporting our local community, but for now the warm rail will be closed." 

Samantha Mellows, director of visitor experience and enterprise at the cathedral, told the BBC: "We don't know exactly who has taken the donations but we hope it's someone who was in need or who can pass them on to groups that are in need."

The cathedral is encouraging people to continue to donate clothing and blankets to get the warm rail back up running as soon as possible. 

No opening date has been released yet.