The Rev Richard Hart, a local vicar and school governor, admitted in court today that he possessed more than 56,000 indecent images of children.

The vicar was suspended by the Church in Wales and the Beguildy village school when police arrested him in January.

Today, Mr Hart, 59, pleaded guilty at Cardiff Crown Court to 12 charges of making indecent photographs between 1999 and 2007, and four of taking such images in July 1991. Police had discovered 56,832 indecent images of children in his possession.

The vicar was not wearing his dog collar in court today as he was remanded in custody before sentencing later this month. He did not apply for bail.

John Ryan, defending Mr Hart, told the court: “He is realistic about the kind of sentence, and wishes to have his time start now.”

Mr Hart has been a vicar in the area for more than 20 years. In the current role, which he took up in 2001, he is responsible for five parishes - Beguildy, Llangunllo, Heyope, Bleddfa and Llanbister.

Canon Robert Jones, diocesan child protection officer for Swansea and Brecon, said that Mr Hart remains suspended from all clerical duties. He will have his permanent future decided by a Church in Wales disciplinary tribunal.

Mr Hart has also been suspended from his position as chairman of governors at Beguildy voluntary controlled Church in Wales school, where his wife works as a part-time assistant.

“The Church in Wales is deeply saddened and shocked that one of its clerics has pleaded guilty to such very serious offences involving the use of indecent images of children,” Canon Jones said.

“To us, it is of particular concern that these offences should have occurred at a time when he held a very responsible and privileged position in one of our church communities.

“Paramount at this moment in time, our thoughts and prayers are with the children who may have been directly or indirectly affected, and with the wider communities in which they live.

“No matter how stringent we try to make our child protection policies, these things do happen.”

Canon Jones said pastoral care had been given to those affected. Two counsellors have been appointed to help people in the community.

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