The church choirmaster who claims he was forced to resign because he lives with his partner out of wedlock had his resignation accepted by the parochial church council last night.

Stephen Hartley, 63, who lives in York, has been the popular choirmaster at St James's parish church, Wetherby, for more than 30 years but says he resigned because of the objections of the new vicar, the Rev Philip Evans, to his living arrangements.

Although a statement released on behalf of Mr Evans claimed Mr Hartley had not been sacked or forced out, he told the Evening Press he felt he had been left no option but to resign. The parochial church council last night decided to accept his resignation during a two-hour meeting chaired by the Archdeacon of Richmond, the Ven Ken Good.

A statement released today said: "The 22-strong council, who are elected representatives of the full church, voted by 13 votes to nine to accept the resignation in a secret ballot following a discussion lasting more than two hours.

"The PCC is legally the employer of the director of music and it was therefore proper that they should receive his resignation."

Mr Hartley is understood to have been informed of the decision but was unavailable for comment today.