A Norfolk vicar has resigned due to 'a campaign focused on a matter from his past', a Church of England statement has revealed.

Rev William Stewart was inducted, installed and licensed at Holy Trinity Church, Loddon, in June 2011.

Originally from Northern Ireland, he worked in the Republic of Ireland for 30 years before moving to Norfolk.

The Rt Rev Alan Winton, Bishop of Thetford, released a statement last night saying: 'Rev William Stewart has decided to resign from his current post as Rector of the Chet Valley benefice.

'In recent months he has been the subject of a campaign focused on a matter from his past. A number of parishioners have been supportive of him and his family but he has increasingly felt that under the present circumstances he is no longer able to continue his ministry.

'In appointing William Stewart the Diocese followed the normal procedure of seeking assurance from the Church of Ireland that he was a priest in good standing, and a CRB check was made and returned clear. On this basis he was offered the post of Rector of the Chet Valley Benefice in good faith.

'When information about William was posted on the internet, the Diocese consulted Norfolk Police. The advice they gave was that the offence was not against a child or vulnerable adult, and he did not have a criminal record, and they therefore regarded the matter as a diocesan responsibility to manage in accordance with its normal procedures.

'William Stewart made an excellent start in his new ministry. However as a result of the information published on the internet, he has increasingly found the strain on him and his family to be too much, and has tendered his resignation.

'We are continuing to support both William Stewart and his family, and the Benefice of the Chet Valley.'

A Diocese of Norwich spokesman confirmed Mr Stewart had tendered his resignation on Sunday and has delivered his final sermon at the church. He is now in the process of moving out of his church home.

Tribute has been paid to Mr Stewart and his wife in the most recent Chet Valley Benefice newsletter, praising his 'ministry, stimulating preaching, pastoral care and good humour'.

david.freezer@archant.co.uk