THE vicar of St Helens Parish Church said he remains positive a stolen projector will be recovered.

Reverend Andrew Ridley was talking after the theft, which is believed to have taken place between Saturday afternoon and Monday morning.

The projector had been used to illuminate the church tower with a poppy as a Remembrance Day tribute, with it taking on extra poignancy this year due to the fact all other events had to be cancelled due to the pandemic.

READ: Police appeal after Northwich church poppy projector stolen

He said: "My feeling is I don't it to overshadow the good that projecting the poppy has done for many people.

"I've been absolutely thrilled with the response.

"There were so many things we couldn't do that we normally would to observe Remembrance Sunday.

"We couldn't have the parade, we couldn't have the service in church or the war memorial services, it was stripped right back."

The project had been a joint initiative between the church and Northwich Town Council, with the potential for future inspiring projections to come in the future, with those plans now being put on hold.

Rev Ridley added: "With the help of the Town Council we were able to project the poppy on to the church tower and it's obviously been a symbol recognised and appreciated very much by so many people.

"It's lit up a dark space, not only on the church, it's sparked something in people's lives too.

"It was a brilliant thing to do and I wouldn't want the theft to overshadow the great deal of good it did."

Cheshire Police have appealed for anyone with any information about the theft to come forward, with Reverend Ridley hopeful it will be returned.

He added: "We want to encourage people to go to the police to see if we can get it back.

"It's a criminal offence and it's theft and we want the police to catch them."

Anyone with any information in relation to the theft is asked to call Cheshire Police on 101, quoting IML 853003, or visit https://www.cheshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/.

Information can also be reported anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.