OFFICIALS at Ripon Cathedral have apologised for sending a letter asking a 99-year-old woman to change her will and leave money to the Church.

Edith Hunt received the letter from the Right Reverend John Packer, Bishop of Ripon and Leeds, two weeks after she was visited by a chaplain while ill in hospital.

The bishop asked the pensioner to consider leaving a cash bequest to the cathedral when she dies.

The letter added that "antique jewellery, oil paintings or even a Victorian sideboard" would also be welcomed.

Mrs Hunt's grandson, Darren, 39, who cares for his grandmother at her home in Leeds, said he was disgusted with the Church.

Mr Hunt said: "As far as I'm concerned, this is preying on old people who are in a very vulnerable position.

"The chaplain spoke to my grandma about the possibility of having an operation and having trust in God.

"She cannot recall giving him any of her personal details, but before we knew it, a letter dropped through the door."

The letter is written on headed notepaper and begins: "A personal message from Right Rev John R Packer, Bishop of Ripon and Leeds".

It is addressed to Mrs Hunt and asks for her support for a long-running fundraising drive to pay for the upkeep of the cathedral.

A spokesman for the bishop said the Church had got Mrs Hunt's name and address from a mailing list - not from the visit by the hospital chaplain and no offence was intended.

He said: "The leaflet on legacies and the accompanying letter from Bishop John is simply an invitation to consider a bequest to Ripon Cathedral.

"It is intended for those with a connection to the cathedral who may appreciate the opportunity to leave something to this ancient historical building in their will.

"However, we very much regret that the letter was sent to Mrs Hunt in error and would wish to apologise wholeheartedly for any distress caused to her or her family."

More than £300,000 is needed to replace the roof of the nave at Ripon Cathedral.