It would try the patience of a saint.

While congregations may sing about the wonder of ‘all creatures great and small’ when bat excrement is plummeting from the ceiling, it is difficult to simply turn the other cheek.

In fact, bats in the belfry are becoming such a problem for parishioners that churches are now calling for a change in conservation laws.

It’s illegal to stop a bat reaching its roost – leaving many churches unable to patch up holes in their walls and doors which bats use for access.

To make the church habitable volunteer wardens must spend hours scouring pews and floors of bat urine and excrement each time the church is used, and have been forced to protect valuable furniture and art with sheeting.