A RURAL church building that was subject to damage and vandalism on New Year's Eve has been rededicated after repairs.

An illegal rave took place at All Saints Church, East Horndon, a redundant Anglican church close to the Thurrock border which is a Grade II* listed building, and is under the care of the Churches Conservation Trust.

The ravers forced entry into the church and set up sound and lighting equipment and launched a party that carried on until police arrived and broke it up. Organisers of the event were issued instant fines and the equipment was confiscated.

In the hours after the event the Friends of the much loved Tudor church began a clean up and appealed for funds to help repair the damage.

Funds and offers of help were forthcoming and over the weekend the church was rededicated a service of Holy Communion took place, lled by the Bishop of Richborough and Paul Hamilton, with the support of servers and choir members from Brentwood churches.

A spokesperson for the Friends said: "Thank you so much to everyone who came and all who have supported "the old girl" (the church) following the trauma from the start of the year. She's sustained a few more wrinkles but will keep blessing people until the last stone is standing.

"Please come to our open day next Saturday 11 September from noon to 3pm for folk music, tea and cakes, treasure hunt for the kids and look around the church and churchyard."