RARE bats have forced three elderly cleaners to hang up their mops and dusters at a North Yorkshire Saxon church.

Olive Satterthwaite, who is also known as Peggy, her sister, Rachel Grimble, and Jacqui Campbell, are part of a seven-strong team that takes it in turns to clean St Hilda's Church, in the Vale of Ellerburn, near Thornton-le-Dale.

But the three have decided to retire because of the mess caused by resident Natterer bats.

The problem could be solved by sealing a tiny gap in the church door with a piece of rubber - but strict laws made by British and EU officials to protect bats forbid closing any entrance point.

In law, bats, common or rare, can be removed from a dwelling - but not from a church. Because of the mess and dwindling congregation numbers, the church could face closure.

"It seems a few bats are above the law and can desecrate a church and drive us out. We have no legal rights to worship in comfort and safety," said Mrs Satterthwaite, 82.

Mrs Grimble, 79, said: "It is no longer possible to clean up the mess left by the bats. They are not only a health hazard, but they are driving away worshippers."

English Nature suggested making covers for the pews, altar, choir stalls and pulpit to protect them from bat droppings and urine, but the idea was rejected because of the expense.

Bat experts consider St Hilda's a vital breeding refuge for the Natterer bats, an endangered species.

The chairman of the North Yorkshire Bat Group, John Drewett, said: "We are trying to compromise. We do not want the church to close."

Updated: 10:50 Wednesday, June 09, 2004