GALES of up to 80mph swept across Basingstoke, blowing part of a church roof off causing nearly £500,000 of damage.

Debris from the triangular roof on St Peter’s Church on Pinkerton Road, South Ham, was found lying on the grass by the Reverend Mary Phillips, who is the team vicar at the church.

She said: “I walk my dog every morning at 5.30am and I noticed part of the church roof on the ground and thought all is not well. It’s one of those things. I’m just pleased that no one was hurt.”

The parishioners of St Peter’s had to hold their service in the church hall on Sunday morning because of the damage caused on Friday night.

Speaking on Sunday, Rev Phillips said: “It’s a mess in there. The roof came off in the middle of the night so we have lost the carpeting too.”

It is hoped that most of the damage will be covered by insurance, but Rev Phillips might have to organise fundraising to help with some of the repair costs.

She added: “It’s a much-used church for local people but we are very lucky to have a hall so we can still get together.”

There were also 90 Christmas shoeboxes stored inside the church, waiting to be transported to disadvantaged children in other countries. The outside of the boxes were left damp from the rain, but the contents were not damaged. Rev Phillips said: “What a blessing that is.”