A VICAR was ‘driven out’ of a church by ‘evil’ parishioners, it has been claimed.

The allegation came after The Rev David Dickinson resigned from Holy Trinity Church in Hoghton Lane, Hoghton, due to ‘ill health’.

Rev Dickinson was appointed priest in charge at the church eight years ago, before being installed as vicar last year.

But now he has quit his post with claims that ‘continual covert criticism’ from a small group of parishioners led to his resignation.

One member of the Holy Trinity Parochial Church Council (PCC) said the former St Wilfrid’s, Blackburn, RE teacher would be missed.

She said: “The majority of us are in uproar. The whole village has been absolutely outraged.

“It is appalling that a small number of people can force out such a fantastic vicar.

“They had issues and instead of bringing them to the PCC they went behind his back.

“It was bang out of order.”

A spokesman for Blackburn Diocese said: “The Bishop, Rt Rev John Goddard, has every intention of appointing a new vicar to the parish but will delay the matter until issues leading to the resignation have been resolved.

“The Bishop states Rev Dickinson is a fine priest and can confirm that he has immediately been given a general ‘Permission to Officiate’ in Blackburn Diocese.”

An anonymous letter sent to the Lancashire Telegraph by a member of the Holy Trinity congregation said: “During the past eight years David has built up the congregation of his church and currently the electoral role lists more than 200 names.

“His contribution to building up a ‘young church following’ is outstanding, particularly at a time when attendances in church are rapidly declining.

“David made Christinanity accessible to all with enthusiasm, conviction and by personal example.”

Rev Dickinson was unavailable for comment.