A VICAR of four parish churches has been banished in disgrace after committing adultery.

The Rev Timothy Clay, of St Andrew’s Church, Ashingdon, was ordered to leave his post by September 1 after conducting an affair.

The married father is believed to have already left the parish following the church ruling in June.

A spokesman for the Chelmsford Diocese said: “We can confirm that Mr Clay’s work as a vicar has ended. Announcements about this were made in his former parishes in June.

“Mr Clay was prohibited from working as a vicar for life following a disciplinary investigation into unfaithfulness.

“A process of looking for a new vicar will soon begin.

“We are praying for all who have been affected by this situation.”

Mr Clay featured in the Echo in 2007 after shaving off his flowing beard in an attempt to raise £1,000 for a new church hall.

It has not been revealed with whom Mr Clay is alleged to have had an extra-marital relationship.

The 55-year-old was also formerly vicar at St Nicholas Church, Canewdon, where he oversaw a restoration of the bells in the 14th century church.

He was also vicar at All Saints Church in South Fambridge and St Peter’s Church in Paglesham.

The church is now said to be interegnum while a new vicar is appointed.

Parishioners were reluctant to discuss the blow to the parish, but one who asked to remain anonymous gave a brief statement, saying: “At last after a year-and-a-half the Rev Timothy Clay has been defrocked for adultery and has had to leave the rectory before September 1.”

Mr Clay was unavailable for comment