A RELIGIOUS row has broken out over attempt by an obscure Christian group to hold a mass in one of England's smallest churches.

Philip-James French hit the headlines earlier this year when he was knocked-back at the last minute in his attempt to hold mass at St Andrew's in Upleatham, near Saltburn.

Now the American-based Holy Catholic Church, Western Rite - Orthodox Catholic Church has applied to hold a mass at the long-disused church once again.

The first move by Western Rite caused excitement in July when it was thought it would be the first Catholic mass held at the church since the Reformation 500 years ago. But it emerged that the group was not affiliated to the Roman Catholic Church. The Church of England, which does not recognise Western Rite, objected and permission was withdrawn.

Now in a letter to Redcar and Cleveland Council, which has owned the disused church since 1987, that decision has been criticised. Leslie Hamlett, metropolitan archbishop of the Western Rite faith group, also criticised the Roman Catholic and Church of England churches for being 'prejudiced'.

He said: "Will Redcar and Cleveland Council Borough Council be dictated to by the Roman Bishop of Middlesbrough who simply has a problem with traditionalist Catholics existing in the geographical area? A lot of time and effort has been put into re-opening St Andrew's."

He said it would be sad to allow the opportunity pass by, 'due to the prejudice of others'.

The Western Rite leader went on to criticise the press for creating the impression that the mass would be Roman Catholic after a press release given to the paper said a 'Catholic mass' would be performed.

A spokesman for the Right Reverend John Crowley, Bishop of Middlesbrough, said that it was not the church's business to object to the council, but said it should be observed that the Western Rite group was not Roman Catholic.

Martin Shepherd, spokesman for the Church of England, said the Western Rite group was not recognised and there was still an active CofE church yard at St Andrew's.

Redcar and Cleveland Council will consider whether to approach the Church Commissioners of England, who must also agree to the mass taking place, at a meeting at Eston Town Hall on Tuesday.

Philip-James French declined to comment.