The district chair of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Methodist Church has been suspended during a safeguarding investigation, the church has said.

A statement issued by the church confirmed that the Rev Steven Wild had been suspended while the investigation took place.

"A safeguarding investigation is taking place in the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly District.

"In accordance with Methodist Church process, as a neutral act and without prejudice, the District Chair the Revd Steven Wild has been suspended for the duration of the investigation," the church said in a statement.

The Cornwall Methodist Church website says, under its safeguarding tab, that Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Methodist District is committed to safeguarding "as an integral part of its life and ministry".

"Safeguarding is about the action the church takes to promote a safer culture," it says. "This means we will; promote the welfare of children, young people and adults; work to prevent abuse from occurring and seek to protect and respond well to those that have been abused."

There has been no indication as to the nature of the investigation. 

In the statement that is also posted on its website under the same tab, the church adds: "Your prayers are asked for all involved in this difficult situation.

"In your consideration, please be aware that Mr Wild is unwell at this time."​

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Rev Wild was appointed as Methodist chairman back in 2008. Prior to his appointment he had lived in St Ives for 15 years, firstly as minister and latterly as the county's evangelism enabler.

The former TV presenter had been training evangelists for the church for four years.

Rev Wild, a minister for 25 years, spent 15 of them working in Cornwall. Prior to his appointment he was appointed the Methodist Church's national Director of Evangelism, based at Cliff College in Derbyshire in 2004.

During his time as minister he presented a series of programmes interviewing people about their faith.