Lead thefts create heavy burden for congregation
The loss has cost double the maximum 5,000 paid out by insurers in any one year, and so self-help is the church's only recourse, with a 50 donation being sought for every square foot of repair.
Churchwardens Mick Gregory and Ian Fishwick said: "It is our intention not to repair the damage with further amounts of lead, which would prompt further thefts, but to have affected areas covered in a plastic polymer as prescribed by our architect and approved by the diocese."
Anyone able to sponsor part or all of a square foot, or even more, should sent cheques made payable to "St Michael's Church" to Mr Fishwick at 44 Knebworth Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex TN39 4JJ.