A Cumbria clergyman tried to "French kiss" a woman, an appeal hearing was told.

The Reverend Harry Brown was sacked following allegations of sexual harassment and financial irregularities.

Mr Brown is appealing against the revocation of his licence while he was Priest-in-Charge of Crosscrake and Preston Patrick near Kendal.

During the appeal hearing on Thursday, Mr Brown denied trying to passionately kiss the woman.

His lawyer, Michael Johnson, asked Mr Brown if he recalled trying to kiss the woman in July 1996 at her home after she announced she had been given a new job.

He told the hearing: "I gave her a hug and then she went out to make a cup of tea."

But he said he "could not recall" giving her a kiss.

'Passionate kiss'

Mr Johnson said it had been alleged that he had tried to kiss the woman "passionately" and at one point tried to "put your tongue in her mouth."

He added: "It didn't happen. These rumours, again, seem to have been around for a while."

He was then asked if he remembered a torch light procession through the streets of Kendal in which he accompanied the woman and her husband.

He denied following the woman and trying to kiss her.

He said he had to take the woman and her husband home in his car after she "had a bit to drink".

'Small couch'

The hearing in York also heard an allegation made by another woman, who claimed she was "mesmerised" by Mr Brown's legs as he pressed against her on a settee in the vicarage.

Mr Brown said: "I remember the occasion, but I don't remember her being mesmerised by my legs.

"I'm 6ft 3ins with long legs, the couch was small."

Mr Brown is appealing against the revocation of his licence before the Archbishop of York, Dr David Hope in what is believed to be the first hearing of its kind for a decade.