Among the documents in a safe stolen during a church burglary was a grave plan; This plan was carried out after carefully moving a wooden cross to avoid damage.

A volunteer vicar from the Chapel and Schoolroom Church in Woodham Ferrers, near Chelmsford, said losing the scheme would “make the funeral difficult”.

During the weekend burglary, thieves forced their way into the cloakroom before dismantling an “old and heavy safe”.

Eric Fenwick, who has been a volunteer at the church for 25 years, said: “It’s really sad; it’s like someone is intruding into your personal space in your home.”