VANDALS have run amok in a Stowmarket church – and left these scouts with the gloomy prospect of a camp without canvas.In a double raid, the intruders wreaked havoc in the Methodist Church on Bond Street when they broke through doors, shattering glass, ransacked the vestry and destroyed a display on the church altar.

VANDALS have run amok in a Stowmarket church – and left these scouts with the gloomy prospect of a camp without canvas.

In a double raid, the intruders wreaked havoc in the Methodist Church on Bond Street when they broke through doors, shattering glass, ransacked the vestry and destroyed a display on the church altar.

During the same spree – which caused £200 of damage – the vandals broke into the neighbouring church hall where 3rd Stowmarket Scouts hold their weekly meetings.

They stole an irreplaceable £200 tent, just three days before scouts were due to go on a camp at Southwold.

Luckily, other arrangements were able to be made in time although scoutmaster Robin Leeks said that the particular make of tent had been discontinued.

"We had taken the tent out the very same night and then they stole it," he said. "We were going on camp that weekend. The boys were really shocked when they found out."

Sid Adams, who is one of the church's property stewards, said: "It was all a lot of unnecessary damage and they left a terrific mess. It makes you wonder what it's all about."

Church officials are now looking to replace the damaged doors, which they think will cost at least £200.