The Bishop of Truro's former communications chief is due to appear in court charged with child sex offences.

Jeremy Dowling, the Diocese of Truro’s communications officer for 25 years, is charged with 15 indecent assualts on children under the age of 16.

Bodmin Magistrates Court confirmed that Dowling, of Church Path, Bude, will appear at the court on January 22.

A spokesman for the Diocese of Truro said: "We are deeply concerned about the charges that have been brought against the former diocesan communications officer, Jeremy Dowling.

"Clearly this is now a matter for the courts and the diocese will not comment on the case until legal proceedings are concluded.

"We feel it is important, though, to reassure people that the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults is always of paramount importance to us and we make every effort to ensure their well-being at every level in the diocese."

It is understood that the allegations do not relate to the peroid of time when Dowling was communications officer for the Diocese of Truro.

The spokesman added: "We follow closely the legal requirements of the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS, formerly CRB) and provide safeguarding training for all involved in work with vulnerable people. Each of our 231 parishes is required to appoint a trained safeguarding officer who is responsible for working alongside their priest to ensure exceptional standards of personal safety and care for everyone involved in any way with our churches and wider community life."