The altar at a Sheppey church has had to be moved after plaster from one of the walls and ceiling fell near it.

Fragments also landed on the organ which is now fenced off to keep the congregation safe.

Retired priest the Rev Cindy Kent, who has held services in Holy Trinity church in Sheerness Broadway, said: "It came as a shock. It was discovered by our food bank volunteers one morning who spent some considerable time clearing it up."

She added: "We have had to move the altar so we can continue holding funerals and the rest of the area has been cordoned off with barriers. We are now awaiting repairs."

The Rev Paul Kite, priest in charge of West Sheppey parish, said: "The altar has been moved as a precautionary measure. We now have a ‘forward altar’ in use until repairs can be completed."

Church authorities have also called in Sittingbourne and Sheppey MP Gordon Henderson in their battle to get out-of-control ivy removed from climbing across the church's three stained glass windows.

Mrs Kent said: "The ivy is now blocking out most of the light so we can't see the stained glass any more.

"We aren't sure who is responsible but we have asked Swale council and Sheerness Town Council to find out and get it removed. We asked Mr Henderson if he could help speed up matters before it completely covers the glass."

Holy Trinity was built in the early 1830s.

Panelling either side of the main door at the west of the church and around the altar was once part of the Royal Dockyard Church at Blue Town.

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