Churches in Abingdon are joining forces to discuss security following a series of break-ins, thefts and vandalism at St Nicolas Church in the town centre.

More than 12 churches in the Church in Abingdon group have been invited to a seminar at St Nicolas on March 16.

Representatives will discuss security and what measures need to be taken to deter people from entering buildings and causing damage.

Representatives from the national Church Watch and a surveyor from the Ecclesiastical Church Council have been invited to attend to give advice.

St Nicolas Church is in the forefront of the campaign following two incidents this year when metal grilles protecting windows were lifted and two windows smashed with stones.

It cost more than £300 to repair the damage. In another incident the church was broken into and money stolen.

But the worst incidents were last summer when on two separate occasions vandals - believed to be children - walked into the open church, removed organ pipes and smashed some of them over the altar rail. It cost St Nicolas more than £1,000 to replace and repair the pipes.

Since then the church - which used to be open in the day - has been closed in the afternoons and only open in the morning when there are sufficient wardens.

Other churches in Abingdon are normally closed during the week. St Helen's opens during the summer, but that also depends on how many volunteer wardens it can call upon.

The vicar of St Nicolas, the Rev Dr Peter Doll, said: "We are trying to keep the church open during the day as much as possible because we are an open church in the heart of the town and many people appreciate that. But following our unfortunate experiences we have to be conscious of security, and that means closing the church. Parishioners have come forward to act as stewards, but it is not always easy and we have to close when not enough stewards come forward.

"We cannot take the risk of leaving the church unguarded. It is a shame, but that is the sad reality of the position in which we find ourselves."

Church standing committte secretary Julia Bishop said the church had already received guidance from the police, ranging from simple, measures such as improving locks, to CCTV.

She said: "Cameras are an expensive option for a church and some people have questioned their effectiveness. Churches need to be open for people to visit so it is important we address this pressing problem of improving security."