A CONGREGATION was forced to take its service in the church hall on Sunday, after arsonists tried to torch their church.

The fire was spotted at just after midnight on Sunday morning at the Church of the Good Shepherd at Herbert Avenue in Rossmore, Poole.

It damaged the door and part of the roof, warped a window, and caused extensive smoke damage to the inside of the building.

Firefighters from Poole and Westbourne put out the blaze in the timber building.

Police were also in attendance along with a specialist hazardous materials officer as the building has asbestos tiles on the roof.

The Rev Tim Gomm rushed to the scene after being called by the fire brigade.

He told the Daily Echo that a quick-thinking neighbour had tried to extinguish the flames with a garden hose before firefighters arrived.

"I think in some ways it is a Godsend that we have asbestos tiles," he said.

"It stopped it but it's a hazard as well."

Mr Gomm said the majority of his 70-strong congregation had been worshipping with them for 40 to 50 years.

"A lot of them are deeply upset," he said.

"I will let them see the damage. I know some will not want to come in as they will get upset."

Mr Gomm said there had been attempts to set fire to the 74-year-old building six weeks ago and in June someone had set light to the tree next to their church, but this was the first time that fire had taken hold.

The church is waiting to hear about its application, lodged with the Diocese of Salisbury, for funding to build a new church community centre on the site, and is hoping to raise £800,000 for the project.