Bradford Cathedral has fired its long-serving choirmaster and organist after two complaints of "inappropriate behaviour" were lodged against him.

Alan Horsey, who helped to train chart-topper Gareth Gates during his time as head choir boy, was sacked following an investigation by the cathedral's child protection officer and the Bradford Diocesan registrar.

Mr Horsey, 47, had been suspended on full pay since March after the complaints of misconduct were made against him.

Details of the allegations have not been released, although it is understood they involved child protection issues. The police were not involved in the investigations and the allegations did not involve criminal behaviour.

The married father-of-two, of Hipperholme, Halifax, had served in the cathedral choir for 16 years. He lodged an appeal against the decision, but this was dismissed by the cathedral chapter.

The Very Reverend Dr Christopher Hancock, the recently appointed Dean of Bradford Cathedral, said Mr Horsey had been sacked following a "lengthy disciplinary process".

In a statement read to the congregation at services at the cathedral yesterday, he said the decision had been a "necessary consequence of issues communicated to the Bishop's child protection advisor and then carefully considered by an external and independent inquiry panel".

"This has been an extremely difficult time," said Dr Hancock. "Difficult for those directly involved in the disciplinary process and for all of you, unsure what was happening and unable under employment law to be informed of the details (or even the progress) of the process.

"I hope very much you will understand the need for the chapter to act circumspectly and confidentially throughout this difficult time."

Dr Hancock called on the congregation to pray for Mr Horsey and his family, along with those "who drew issues to the attention of the chapter" as they "bear the burden of responsibility for a difficult decision".

Mr Horsey, who became choirmaster in May 1986, was today unavailable for comment.