ONE of Barnsley's most beautiful historic buildings has been defaced by graffiti vandals.

Grade II-listed St Peter the Apostle and St John the Baptist Parish Church has been daubed in paint by a so-called tagger.

The church, which was once described by writer John Betjemin as a hidden gem, played a part in the formation of Barnsley Football Club.

But over the weekend vandals sprayed silver paint tags on its famous walls.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or South Yorkshire Police on 101, quoting crime reference B19601/2015.

** The full story appears in the Barnsley Chronicle, dated March 6. **