The deadline has now passed to find a replacement vicar for a troubled Queensbury church.

The diocesan advert described Holy Trinity as “at a very interesting point in its life” and “just emerging from a fallow period during which the loyal core have not only kept things going.”

Last year Peter Hedge, who had been vicar at Holy Trinity and also at St Margaret’s Church in Thornbury, was found guilty of the “wicked and cynical” rape and sexual abuse of boys in his pastoral care and jailed for 14 years.

The advert for Holy Trinity’s new vicar continued: “The church is looking for a priest with a pastoral heart who will lead them forward into mission and ministry. Holy Trinity is at the beginning of this process.”

The closing date was Friday with a reminder to any applicants that “An enhanced CRB check is required.’’