A vicar who was sacked following allegations of sexual harassment today denied trying to kiss and hug parishioners, including a passionate embrace with the boss of a tourist board.

The Reverend Harry Brown, who is appealing against the revocation of his licence, denied acting inappropriately while Priest-in-Charge of Crosscrake and Preston Patrick in Cumbria.

The appeal hearing in York today heard details of the alleged sexual harassment, including claims that Mr Brown tried to ''French kiss'' the chief executive of Cumbria Tourist Board, Christine Collier.

It was also alleged that Mr Brown sat so close to one parishioner in the vicarage that she became ''mesmerised by his legs''.

Mr Brown's licence was revoked last September following allegations of sexual harassment, intimidating behaviour, mental abuse, and financial irregularities.

Today his lawyer, Michael Johnson, outlined some the allegations he was facing, including claims that he sexually harassed members of the parish. Mr Johnson asked Mr Brown if he recalled trying to kiss Mrs Collier in July 1996 at her home after she announced she had got the job as chief executive of the Cumbria Tourist Board.

''I gave her a hug and then she went out to make a cup of tea,'' he told the hearing.

''Did you give her a kiss?'' his counsel asked.

''Not that I remember or recall,'' he replied. Mr Johnson said it had been alleged that he had tried to kiss Mrs Collier ''passionately'' and at one point tried to ''put your tongue in her mouth.''

''It didn't happen. These rumours, again, seem to have been around for a while.''

He was then asked if he remembered a torch light procession through the streets of Kendal in which he accompanied Mrs Collier and her husband.

He denied following Mrs Collier to an upstairs bathroom in a building and trying to kiss her. He said he had to take Mrs Collier and her husband home in his car after she ''had a bit to drink''.

The hearing also heard an allegation made by Jean Proud, who claimed she was ''mesmerised'' by Mr Brown's legs as he pressed against her on a settee in the vicarage.

He was asked by his counsel if he remembered the alleged incident.

''I remember the occasion, but I don't remember her being mesmerised by my legs,'' he said.

''I'm 6ft 3in with long legs, the couch was small.''

Mr Brown is appealing against the revocation of his licence before the Archbishop of York, Dr David Hope.