A schoolgirl is suing a cathedral dean for "mental anguish" after being rejected for a senior choral honour.

Pollyanna Molloy, 13, started the action when Lincoln Cathedral leaders failed to select her to lead processions of senior clergy wearing a garment known as a "cope".

I just couldn't see why he chose this other girl

Pollyanna Molloy

Her father Mike Molloy, a property developer, has also withdrawn both Pollyanna and her 10-year-old sister Maisy from the choir in protest.

His daughter is claiming damages on the grounds that she has been "utterly destroyed" by the decision, in what is believed to be the first time a child has sued an organisation in such a case.

The honour is awarded to four of the cathedral's choristers each year for their musical ability, leadership and good behaviour.

'No justification'

Mr Molloy, 34, said the writ, complaining of a breach of duty of care resulting in mental anguish, which was lodged at Lincoln County Court on Monday is only the beginning.

He also plans further litigation.

The cathedral school awards four copes a year

He said: "They have let a molehill become a mountain by ignoring our inquiries for the last nine weeks.

"We tried to have a meeting with these people to get some justification as to why this decision was made, but so far we've got nothing."

Roy Bentham, the cathedral's chief executive, said: "The people responsible for the music have a criteria and at the end of the year they choose the ones best placed to fill those four cope girl positions.

"It was done very fairly."

But Pollyanna, of North Willingham, said: "I just couldn't see why he chose this other girl, there is no reason for it."

Her mother Fiona said: "They just don't treat the children with the respect they deserve.

"They don't consider the children's feelings and they've shown that with the way they have treated Pollyanna.

"No one has sat down with her and said you're still a very valued member of the choir.

"Instead the only person who has spoken to her about it has told her, `I'm the boss, just get on with it'."

Cathedral Dean, the Very Reverend Alec Knight, told the Daily Telegraph newspaper that the cathedral would strongly resist the claim.

He said: "We understand those not chosen will be disappointed, but it is not a reflection on their contribution to the choir."