TWO church wardens were asked to leave after their vicar was told they were having an affair, it was confirmed today.

Adele Foster and Michael Orpin were both church wardens at St Mark's CE Church, Rossendale Road, Burnley.

The Sunday Mirror yesterday claimed the affair happened when Ms Foster was separated from her husband and Mr Orpin was still married to his wife Sheila.

Church of England diocesan communications officer the Rev Richard Steele said he knew of the matter, but it dated from July 30 and the couple had not acted as wardens since that date.

He said: "Sheila brought the matter to attention of the vicar, the Rev Alan Taylor, and he acted straight away in speaking to the two people concerned.

"They admitted they had been having an affair and were asked to resign and at the same time they tendered their resignation."

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