The vicar in charge of eight Cornish parishes including Stithians and Devoran has resigned amid allegations of an affair with a parishioner.

Rev Father Simon Bone, a married father-of-one, told the BBC he was "deeply sorry for the hurt and upset" he had caused, in particular to his family.

A message on his home landline states that "there is no Father Simon anymore at this number".

He is understood to have written to the Bishop of Truro resigning from all duties relating to the diocese.

Father Simon has been priest-in-charge of the Eight Saints' Cluster, which is made up of Carharrack, Chacewater, Devoran, Feock, Gwennap, Perranarworthal, St Day and Stithians.

A spokesperson for the Diocese of Truro confirmed Father Bone's resignation and said: "The diocese takes all matters of professional and personal conduct seriously, and will take appropriate action as necessary and depending on individual circumstances."

Father Simon worked for the Royal & SunAlliance Insurance Company as a supervisor and trainer before taking up the cloth and training for priesthood. He was ordained as Deacon in 2009.

Details on the Eight Saints website state he is also involved in the Falmouth-based WAY2 internship, supporting people aged 18 to 30 who are interested in ministry. 

He is a member of the management board for the St Petrocs Society and a chaplain for Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service.

The Packet has contacted Father Simon for a response.