Members of Saltaire's United Reform Church were today starting a clean-up operation after vandals smashed a stolen car into the historic building.

The Vauxhall Cavalier was driven into a stairwell leading to the church basement and set on fire.

The blaze spread to the basement, damaging the toilet area. It also caused smoke damage in the church hall and to the building's exterior.

A fire crew from Shipley were called to the fire at around 3.30am today.

Station Officer Gordon Wright said if it had continued any longer, the damage could have been extensive.

"It was burning fiercely when we got there. It started at cellar level, but we managed to contain it," he said.

"If it had been left much longer, it would have worked its way into the building. It would have been a difficult fire to fight as well because it was between floors and it would have caused a massive amount of damage."

Hans Poot, property steward at the church, feared it would still cost thousands of pounds to repair the damage.

"I think it is sad that people have nothing else to do but cause damage," he said.

"The church is one of the few points where visitors can come. It is open every afternoon and they come and admire the building. At the weekends we have a cafe downstairs which is our outreach to the community."

Mr Poot added that the church is a regular target for vandals, with windows being smashed at least once a month, but he believes the police are doing all they can.

"We are expecting the police to do the impossible," he said. "They're expected to do the job of people that would normally teach people how to behave. You could put another 100 police in the area and it wouldn't make any difference."

James Duncan, chairman of the Saltaire Village Society, said the church's security would be discussed at the group's next meeting.

"It's obvious that this will need to be talked about," he said, "The problem of crime and vandalism is usually on the agenda."

Anne Heald, of the Saltaire Tourist Information and Gift Centre, said the church is a big attraction with visitors.

Anyone with information about the blaze should contact the police on (01535) 617059.