HISTORIC organ pipes have been stolen from a village church.

The theft was discovered on Saturday, when about 50 people were enjoying live music at St Mary’s Church, in Little Bromley, as part of the Midsummer Tea Party.

In total, 20 of the front pipes were taken from the church in Church Lane.

They range from 0.8m to 1.2m in length and are painted blue with red and gold decoration.

The Friends of Little Bromley Church have issued an appeal for information in an effort to get the pipes returned.

Gregory Frostick, of the group, said: “These pipes don’t really have any scrap value, but it would cost a lot of money to have new ones made and decorated.”

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “The pipes are believed to have been taken from the church on June 16, but the theft was only reported to the police on June 20. Enquiries are continuing.”

Anyone with information should call Essex Police on 101, Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or the churchwarden on 07806 828328.