A pervert who plagues a churchgoer with obscene messages through the post has a second target.

For five years, the man has sent sexually-explicit messages and pictures to a seriously-ill woman in her late 40s.

After police highlighted the case in January, a second woman in the area revealed that she also receives the letters and cards.

Police believe that crank mail sent to other women who came forward was the work of other authors.

Detective Sergeant Denise Pearn, of Durham City CID, said: "I want this person to stop. Lady number one is taking it really badly and it is having a dramatic effect on her and her health. Stop it now before it goes any further."

The first victim, who lives on the outskirts of Durham, suffered for years before reporting the matter.

She spoke exclusively to The Northern Echo to tell how she felt she had been mentally raped by her ordeal.

The other recipient is in her early 40s and lives in another part of the city, but there appears to be no link between the two and the author.

Police thought that Press reports had curbed the writer's activities, particularly as there were no Valentine's Day messages, but on Monday the first victim received a photograph of the man's naked lower body.

A note in blue ink said: "Best wishes (woman's name), from a friend and admira" (sic).

Det Sgt Pearn said the second woman received identical post, thought to be from the same man.

"She has been getting this material for the past 12 to 18 months, but has not received as much," said Det Sgt Pearn.

"She is obviously distressed, but she has not got a serious health problem.

"I feel sure there will be other ladies out there receiving this sort of thing, but who may be embarrassed or afraid to come forward.

"They can speak to me directly in the strictest confidence. I would appeal for them to come forward."

The mail is usually postmarked Teesside, or Darlington.

Det Sgt Pearn said there was no evidence that the man was stalking, or trying to make physical contact with, his victims.

Anyone with information is asked to call 0191-386 4222.