A man has been given an antisocial behaviour order banning him from entering any church in England or Wales.

Raymond Woods from Godalming, Surrey, stole from a number churches in the Guildford area, the town's magistrates heard. Woods, of no fixed abode, was also accused of interrupting services, causing criminal damage and intimidating worshippers.

The 52-year-old's ban also includes banks, supermarkets and railway stations in the area.

"Woods has caused no end of misery to local Godalming shopkeepers, residents and parishioners and Surrey Police will not tolerate such antisocial behaviour," said Jo Grimshaw, antisocial behaviour manager for Surrey Police.

The order, which also keeps him from parts of the centre of Godalming, is in place until November 13, 2012.