The Rev Tom Thubron, vicar of St Giles' in Durham City, appeared before a consistory court in his parish over complaints alleging 21 items of damage caused to the Grade I listed building.

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It was alleged that Mr Thubron, who is due to retire after 11 years in the parish, had carried out the work without permission of the church planning board - known as the faculty.

The case against Mr Thubron was brought after a member of the parochial church council, Michael Richardson, complained.

Gloss paint

Mr Richardson took exception to the "ham-fisted" renovations undertaken on the interior of the church.

Controversial: The red altar rails

The work included staining a 19th century door with varnish, damaging a floor with an industrial sander, hanging venetian blinds in the church and painting altar rails with bright red gloss paint.

Mr Thubron said he and several parishioners used gloss paint and varnish to make the church look its best.

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Despite granting retrospective permission for much of the work, Durham diocese, Rupert Bursell QC, ruled that in several areas repairs were inappropriate and would need to be re-done.

Summing up, Mr Bursell said: "I understand and appreciate the motives which drove them but I would remind them that the way to hell is paved with good intentions."

After the case Mr Richardson, who had brought the complaints, said he was delighted with the outcome.

However, Mr Thubron refused to comment on the decision and when Mr Richardson tried to shake his hand he refused, calling him "vindictive".

The new repairs are expected to be spread over five years.