A RELIGIOUS row has broken out over an 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, 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 when it emerged the group was not affiliated to the Roman Catholic Church, the Church of England, which does not recognise Western Rites, objected and permission was withdrawn.

Now, in a letter to Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, which has owned the disused church since 1987, that decision has been criticised.

Leslie Hamlett, metropolitan archbishop of the Western Rites faith group, also attacked the Catholic Church and the Church of England for being "prejudiced".

He said: "A lot of time and effort has been put into re-opening St Andrew's. It would be a sad thing to let this work and this opportunity pass by, due to the prejudice of others."

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 Rites group was not Roman Catholic.

Martin Shepherd, spokes-man for the Church of England, said the Western Rites group was not recognised and there was an active C of E churchyard at St Andrew's.

The council will consider whether to approach the Church Commissioners of England, who must agree if the mass is to take place, at a meeting at Eston Town Hall on Tuesday.

Philip-James French declined to comment.