A bishop has broken rank to apologise for the Catholic church's treatment of divorcees.

The Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle, the Right Reverend Ambrose Griffiths, courted controversy by asking for their forgiveness at a special service.

In defiance of Catholic law, which brands those who remarry following divorce adulterers, he said he felt ashamed that the Church turned away people who needed help.

At a service in Newcastle, dedicated to divorced people, Bishop Griffiths said: "I express on behalf of the Church regret and repentance, and I ask your forgiveness.

"You have been sinned against. It is important to remember that divorced people are innocent victims.

"There has been, in recent years, a dramatic increase in the number of failed marriag-es. It is a trend that is found among Catholics, also.

"Sometimes, the last straw is the lack of compassion some have found when they sought help and counsel in the church."

The bishop has posted his comments on the diocese website in advance of Saturday's service at St Mary's Church, Newcastle.

The Roman Catholic Church has always rejected divorce, believing that once a marriage has taken place it should be for life.