A Church of England education official has been cleared of indecently assaulting a child.

The Reverend Peter Lister, the Diocese of Lichfield's director of education, had been due to stand trial at Newcastle Crown Court yesterday over an allegation he abused a boy under the age of 14.

The assault was said to have taken place some time between September 11, 1977 and September 10, 1983, when Mr Lister was director of education of the Newcastle Diocese where he worked before moving to the Staffordshire diocese in 1995.

But before a jury was sworn in his case yesterday the case dramatically collapsed when prosecutors offered no evidence against the 63-year-old.

Julian Smith, prosecuting, told the court: "Looking at this case with considerable care it is the prosecution view there is no realistic prospect of conviction and I offer no evidence."

Judge Guy Whitburn entered a not guilty verdict against the suspended cleric and told him: "You leave this court as you entered, without a stain on your character."

Mr Lister, who lives in Staffordshire, had been supported by his wife, the Reverend Jenny Lister, since the allegations came to light nine months ago.