FRIENDS and well-wishers have raised £10,000 to help meet initial legal costs faced by a cathedral dean to defend himself in a forthcoming church court case.

It took only eight days for fundraisers to secure the five- figure sum for the Very Reverend John Methuen, Dean of Ripon, North Yorkshire, who will face 21 allegations of conduct unbecoming the office and work of a clerk in Holy Orders. He also faces a further accusation of neglect of duty.

When asked about the £10,000 donation towards initial legal costs of defending the case the dean refused to comment.

The group decided to act after hearing that the dean would have to find the first £10,000 of the court costs himself.

Costs of the trial will come from a central account of the Church of England and not from Ripon and Leeds Diocesan funds or from the cathedral.

A group spokesman, who wants to remain anonymous, said they had been inspired to raise the initial funding "to support natural justice".

"The response was remarkable and gratifying for him in particular. It has been a personal gesture," said the spokesman.

Dean Methuen, who earns £28,000 a year, has said he will have an answer to all the complaints when the case is heard in Leeds, starting on Monday, April 25.