Teenagers who smashed a church hall’s windows have been ordered to work in the community as punishment.

St Peter’s Church Hall in Stowmarket was subjected to a barrage of vandalism earlier in the year causing more than £1,000 worth of damage.

Police arrested two teenagers – a 15-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy – on suspicion of criminal damage.

Yesterday a force spokeswoman confirmed the two had been put on restorative justice programmes – an agreement between the church and the offenders – which means the pair will carry out “clean-up” work.

Reverend Michael Eden, of St Peter and St Mary’s Church, which manages the hall, said: “We are pleased that the damage has come to an end.

“Quite a few windows were damaged over a period of time.

“Since police have found these people it’s come to an end.

“They have been very remorseful and realised the consequences of the damage they have done.”

Sergeant Neil Paterson, from Suffolk police, said: “Following damage at St Peter’s Church Hall on October 28, a 15-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy were arrested.

“The boy was also linked to a further offence of damage at the church in Stowmarket.”