FIREFIGHTERS battled a blaze in the roof of the church of St Mary the Virgin in Charlbury yesterday.
They were called at 12.30pm and were at the scene, in Church Street, for nearly six hours.
Sections of the roof had to be cut away to prevent the fire from spreading to other parts of the church.
Vicar Judy French said: “There is a lot of water damage to the chancel and vestry and we don’t have electricity.
“The fire brigade have covered up the holes in the roof with tarpaulin.
“I am shocked and obviously upset but it is one of those things.
“We will work hard to get it sorted.”
The cause of the fire is unclear at this stage.
A total of eight fire engines attended the blaze and crews were planning to return during the night to check the fire had not reignited.
Nobody was injured.
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