A CONGREGATION is being given a say in the kind of vicar it wants.

Members of the flock of St Cuthbert's, Marton, Middlesbrough, are putting together a wish list, embracing all the qualities they would like to see in the new incumbent.

It follows the departure of the Reverend John Cave, who had been suspended by church bosses over undisclosed financial irregularities, which were repaid, and then resigned.

Diocesan director of communications Martin Shephard said: "There is hurt and unresolved emotional issues when people feel the person in whom they invested a lot of trust shows themselves to be wanting in that trust.

"The bishop and archdeacon are working with the parish, drawing up a sort of wish list of qualities they want in a new vicar.

"The relationship between a vicar and his or her parish is one of trust. Where that trust has gone, people feel emotions and anger, and whoever comes into the parish has to have particular sensitivities to this issue.

Mr Shephard said the Right Reverend Robert Ladds, the Bishop of Whitby, was looking to see who he had suitable to transfer to the parish.

The bishop, he said, wanted to make the best match possible.

Mr Cave has left the area. Mr Shephard said: "He accepted the nature of the situation. His resignation was only a matter of time.''