A former head of music at a Lincolnshire church has been jailed following "heinous abuse". 

Peter Burness was jailed for six years for indecently assaulting a boy in the 1970s. 

The child was associated with Cordeax School. The institution - a secondary school for pupils aged eleven to 18 - closed in December 2012.

The acting Bishop of Lincoln has condemned the actions of 84-year-old Burness. 

Rt Rev Stephen Conway has urged people to come forward following the sentencing, stating that the safety of the congregation was a top priority. 

Bishop Stephen said: "I would like to encourage anyone to come forward who may have been affected by this, or any other case.

"Support is available, and the diocese is committed to listening and taking action."

Burness was sentenced following a trial at Lincoln Crown Court. 

Deputy Chief Inspector Martin Reid said: "My thoughts are with the victim of this horrendous offence and I thank them for their strength in being able to report this.

"The offender took a calculated advantage from a position of trust over a child."