A ROCK councillor has put up a reward for information after callous thieves stole floodlights from outside a church in the village during a Christmas carol service.

Police are also appealing for witnesses after the thieves struck while the congregation was inside St Peter and St Paul Church between 4.30pm and 5.15pm on Sunday, December 18.

Three floodlights mounted on 7ft telescopic, metal stands had been placed outside to illuminate a new path being built to provide disabled access to the building.

But when the service finished people walked out into darkness as the floodlights had been stolen along with three extension leads connected to them.

Wyre Forest District Councillor for Rock Douglas Godwin was at the service with his family and has now offered a £100 reward for information leading to arrest and conviction of the thieves.

He said: "As a local District Councillor I was so incensed by this that I have offered this reward."

Churchwarden John Nott said the floodlights, which were on yellow stands, had been borrowed from a parishioner and the church would now have to reimburse him.

"I'm appalled that anyone would stoop so low and take these lights from the church while we were all inside enjoying the service,” he added.

“It beggars belief and I don't think the people who did this could have the slightest bit of respect at all.

"We will have to try and find some other way of lighting the path now as it could be dangerous if the weather turns icy.”

Another member of the congregation, who did not want to be named, said: "When we realised what had happened we were more disgusted by where they had been taken from than anything else. It must have been planned and they must have been waiting near the back door and moved very quickly. No-one inside heard anything."

Police are eager to hear from anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously near the church on Sunday afternoon or if anyone has been offered any floodlighting for sale.

Witnesses or anyone with information should contact PC Kay Fillmore at Kidderminster Police Station on 0300 333 3000, quoting incident 581-S-181211, or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.