Three men have been charged over a spate of thefts of valuable paving stones from outside churches.

York stone slabs "worth thousands of pounds" have been dug up in Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Staffordshire and Cheshire, police said.

The first "heritage crime" was reported by Ormskirk Parish Church in Lancashire in February.

The men, from Greater Manchester, have been charged with theft and were due before Chester magistrates earlier.

Cheshire Police said one of the men was also charged with handling a stolen motor vehicle and driving while disqualified.

The force previously said "highly desirable" York stone was known for its durability and aesthetic appeal and was worth "thousands of pounds".