The festive season is approaching and a thief has stolen not only a Christmas tree but one from a church.

The tree was taken from outside St Mary's Church on Church Street, Beaminster.

The tree was on the church fence and decorated with lights. It was one of many around the town, including on shop fronts, provided by the Beaminster Town Council.

Reverend Jo Neary arrived at St Mary's for the Sunday service last week to find an empty tree stand. She said: "It was nicked sometime before Sunday and Saturday because when I turned up for the Sunday service it wasn't there. There was no tree, just an empty holder.

"It had definitely been removed and taken away."

Reportedly the theft was first reported to the church by Cllr Nigel Corbett.

The News understands it has now been replaced by the council.

"We have had a few low-level problems in the church, with a little bit of vandalism and annoyance in the past few years, which is a shame because the community well supports our church," added Rev Neary.

"I just thought 'what a shame, that is really sad'. I wasn't angry, it just looked a bit bare. If there is anyone who wants to light up their space this time of year it is the church. It is our holiday.

"It is a bit miraculous someone replaced it this morning."

Read more: Beaminster Christmas Lights Festival cancelled for 2023

Very quickly after posting about the theft the church received numerous offers from members of the community to replace the tree.

Rev Neary added: "So many people in the town were really sad to hear it, and lots of people have offered to replace it from their farms and things.

"We were so sad to hear that our tree was stolen, but also so encouraged and cheered by people in the town who offered to replace it for free.

"We are so looking forward to welcoming our community to celebrate Christmas with us through our Nativity Festival, Advent Carol service, Christmas services and community events. Our website is beaminterteamchurches.org for more information."

The tree has been replaced just in time for an upcoming nativity festival from December 1-3 - similar to a Christmas tree festival but with Nativity sets.