The Right Reverend Peter Ball, 82-year-old twin brother of a former Bishop of Truro, has been charged with misconduct in public office and indecent assault.

The Rt Rev Peter Ball, brother of twin brother of former Bishop of Truro the Right Reverend Michael Ball, held the position in the Church of England from 1977 until 1992 and was later Bishop of Gloucester, has been charged with three offences.

Ball, of Aller, near Langport, was arrested on Tuesday, November 13, in connection with allegations concerning eight boys and young men.

The first charge alleges misconduct in public office between October 1977 and December 1992 when he is alleged to have misused his position and authority to manipulate and prevail upon others for his own sexual gratification.

The second charge alleges an indecent assault on a boy, aged 12 or 13, in 1978 and the third alleges an indecent assault on a man, aged 19 or 20, between 1980 and 1982.

The retired clergyman is due to appear at Brighton Magistrates’s Court on April 10.