A WELL-known vicar, who took on the nickname Rambling Reverend, has resigned and been banned from practising as a minister after he “admitted adultery”.

Reverend Dr Chris Stuart had been vicar of St John-in-Bedwardine Church, and St Clement's and Lower Broadheath in Worcester, but stepped down after his alleged affair came to light, a spokesman for the Diocese of Worcester said.

The Worcester News has been told that Rev Stuart had an affair with a parishioner, which began in 2016, and led to the birth of a child.

A parishioner, who asked not to be named, said Rev Stuart had "caused immense hurt to the church and those over who he had pastoral care".

The alleged affair led to an investigation by the Diocese of Worcester under the Clergy Discipline Measure (2003).

The code of conduct states a priest or deacon who has committed adultery and behaved unreasonably may be removed from office or impose a prohibition order.

In a statement, a spokesman for the Diocese of Worcester said: "The Reverend Dr Chris Stuart, Vicar of St John in Bedwardine and St Clement and Lower Broadheath was recently subject to a complaint under the Clergy Discipline Measure, of conduct unbecoming of a priest, having admitted adultery.

"As a result, Chris resigned his post and accepted a penalty of two years prohibition from ministry as a priest.”

Rev Stuart was curate at Pershore Abbey, before taking the position at St John's in October 2009.

In March 2016 he appeared in the Worcester News after completing 270 miles of the Pennine Way to raise money for charity.

He went on to write a blog entitled The Rambling Reverend, about his walks across the country in recent years.

The Worcester News contacted Rev Stuart but he declined to comment.

• The Worcester News wishes to clarify that Reverend Dr Chris Stuart resigned in April, and the disciplinary process concluded in July. Rev Stuart no longer serves as an Anglican priest.