A ROMAN Catholic college run by Benedictine monks confirmed yesterday it has sacked a house master at the centre of allegations of improper conduct with a pupil.

Father Christian Shore had been on "administrative leave" from Ampleforth College, in North Yorkshire, since April, when rumours about his relationship with a sixth-former more than a decade ago began to circulate.

Following procedures laid down by the Nolan Committee, the college - attached to Ampleforth Abbey - referred the matter to North Yorkshire social services and the police.

Fr Shore was suspended while the abbot, the Right Reverend Timothy Wright, also ordered an internal investigation, including a risk assessment by the Lucy Faithfull Foundation.

Police have since confirmed Fr Shore will not face prosecution.

However, as a result of the college's own inquiry, Fr Shore has confirmed there may have been "an occasion of improper physical contact" with the sixth-form student during his final year.

Although his own legal advice is that what happened did not constitute a criminal offence, Fr Shore has admitted he behaved in an unprofessional manner.

The college confirmed yesterday he is to be replaced as a result.

Abbot Wright said: "It is clear Fr Christian Shore failed to maintain the highest standards of care and professionalism which we promote. He feels great remorse for his actions, and extends his heartfelt apologies to the former student."

A letter has now been sent to parents of the college's current pupils, in which the abbot promises the college will "strive continuously to ensure the highest standards and fullest safeguards".

"We will never rest in our efforts to maintain and enhance these safeguards," he writes.

Fr Shore, who was in charge of the college's St Hugh's House, had been a house master for 18 years.

It is understood he will now be retrained for other work within the monastic community.