A COUPLE who stole from a string of Herefordshire churches were trying to cover the cost of their wedding, a court heard.

Jamie and Jolene Andrews, of Maylord Orchards, Hereford, targeted collection boxes in a six-week spree either side of their wedding.

Among the churches they hit were St Bartholomew's, in Ashperton, where £500 damage was done, and Yarkhill.

Appearing at Hereford Crown Court, the couple admitted charges of burglary and attempted burglary between August and September, together with accomplice Luke Harman, 18, of Wallsend, Marden.

Jamie Andrews, 21, was jailed for ten months, Jolene Andrews, 25, for 12 months and Harman, five months' youth custody.

Scott Coughtrie, defending, said the couple committed the "despicable" offences out of desperation at their debt. Their previous offences ranged from theft and deception to drug possession.

They were caught after leaving keys at one of the churches - with a picture of themselves on the fob.