EVENING News readers have united in condemning a former councillor found guilty of possessing child pornography, and the retired vicar who has defended him.

Dozens of people contacted the News Desk to express "disgust" at the comments made by the Rev Ronald Waters in Tuesday's paper.

In the article, Mr Waters claimed Keith Rogers, a former school governor from Droitwich, had done nothing wrong in collecting nearly 2,000 indecent images of children on his computer - an offence for which he was fined £5,000 by Worcester magistrates last month.

Mr Waters, a former congregational minister and a respected member of the community, went on to compare images of children with "Page Three" newspaper photographs.

His comments have caused outrage among residents throughout Worcestershire.

Sheila Neary, from Droitwich, phoned in with her thoughts.

"I am absolutely disgusted by Mr Waters' comments. He has a nerve.

"We are talking about children in this case and not Page Three models. How a retired vicar can support a man like Keith Rogers is beyond me."

Stephanie Wren, a social worker from Malvern, was appalled at the comments made in the article.

"Mr Waters seems incredibly misguided. To compare images of Page Three girls to the exploitation of children is ludicrous.

"I used to be a teacher working with damaged children. I am now a social worker and I know what images on the internet can do to children."

Another resident, who wanted to be known only as Anne, added: "Keith Rogers claimed in court he was using the images for artistic purposes, but you can go to an art gallery to do that."

Barry Hardiman, of Timberdine Avenue, Worcester, added: "Several people have said Keith Rogers and his family are going through a difficult time.

"What about the difficult times for all the children who were abused to cater for this man's pleasure?

"If there were not people to look at such photographs, they would not be taken."

Councillors were also quick to respond.

Droitwich town councillor Eve Freer was one of the first people to call the paper.

"I have read comments in the Press by some who have come out in support of my former colleague and I would just like to say I am not one of them," she said.

"I think what Keith has done is unforgivable and for Mr Waters, who I know well, to come out in support of him is unbelievable."

Wychavon district councillor Andrew Christian-Brookes also phoned after reading the Evening News.

"For someone to say child pornography is harmless is ridiculous. I think anyone reading Mr Waters' comments would be totally disgusted," he said.

An invitation to Keith Rogers to become an honorary member of the Westlands Community Association was withdrawn, it has emerged.

"I certainly do not agree with Ronald Waters. Christianity is about repentance and forgiveness.

"I look forward to the hapless former councillor and this ridiculous retired cleric repenting before the Lord" -

County councillor Tom Wareing.

"I was absolutely amazed that a member of the church could make such comments. If this is the view of a member of the church, no wonder the churches are empty" -

Name withheld, phone call.

"His views are naive at best and at worst downright irresponsible. The people who support the vile child pornography trade will always look to justify their cravings and Mr Waters has just given them more ammunition" -

Shirley, Worcestershire, via email.

"Page Three models are adults, whereas children should be protected and not exploited by sick individuals" - C Powell, via email