DISGRACED vicar Tom Bodkin has spoken for the first time since admitting he had an affair with a housewife mother-of-two.

In a statement issued by his solicitor and cousin Paul Bodkin, the father-of-one said: "I deeply regret events which have led to my resignation."

Father Tom, who resigned his post as vicar of St Andrew's Church in Bishopstone, went on: "I have been overwhelmed by the support of my family, friends and parishioners, for which I am more than grateful."

"The matter is now in the hands of the church and it would be inappropriate for me to make any further comment."

The Archbishop of Canterbury will now decide how to punish Father Tom for his year-long affair with Maureen Sievas, of nearby Seaford.

Despite claims of the affair, many church-goers in Bishopstone called for Mr Bodkin to stay on.

They praised his efforts to inject new life into the church, where congregations had doubled.

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