Ripon Cathedral has a new director of music to replace Kerry Beaumont - one of the senior staff said to have left after clashes with the Dean over his management style.

Simon Morley, 38, takes over in May, arriving in North Yorkshire from Lincoln Cathedral, where he is assistant organist and director of the girls choir.

He was chosen from 25 applicants for the post - five of them directors of music at other locations around the country.

"The appointments panel found the selection process extremely difficult and wishes to record its gratitude to its professional consultant, Dr Philip Moore, organist and director of music at York Minster, whose experience, knowledge and advice were invaluable," said the Dean, the Very Reverend John Methuen.

Mr Beaumont, who was instrumental in the formation of Ripon's girl's choir, was one of three members of staff to quit amid reports of a management crisis at the cathedral, sparked by the Dean's robust style of leadership.

Cathedral bursar Nigel Clay and chapter clerk Dr Howard Crawshaw were the others who handed in their notice.

An internal inquiry concluded in the summer that the Dean's departure may be the only way to heal the internal rifts.

However, Bishop of Ripon and Leeds, the Right Reverend John Packer, requested the views of the congregation and is currently considering more than 100 replies. A final outcome has yet to be announced.