An unholy row has erupted between a vicar and the new Mayor of Redbridge over the 'blasphemous' title of a charity event.

Father Mervyn Jennings has criticised Councillor Loraine Sladden for calling a cabaret fund-raising night 'The Last Supper', the name used by Christians to describe Jesus' final meal with his disciples.

Father Jennings, vicar of St Francis of Assisi Church in Ilford, said the name is far too sensitive to be used as the title for the light-hearted evening, which will involve the launch of a sponsored slimathon by two full-figured councillors.

The 68-year-old demanded the title be changed after finding out about it in a leaked email sent by Cllr Sladden to every member of the council.

He said: "I was shocked when I saw the name chosen for this charity event to be honest.

"I wonder if the mayor realises just how offensive this title is to Christians who regard the last supper as a major event in the life of Our Lord, and which became the foundation for the Holy Eucharist.

"I don't want to make too big a deal of this, but one of my congregation told me they think this is blasphemous."

The father-of-two said he knew the mayor meant no harm, but called on the council to be more careful in the future.

He added: "I'm sure that no offence was intended but I think great care needs to be taken when using religious terms like this."

Cllr Sladden, who was inaugurated as mayor earlier this month, said her words had been taken out of context and that she had simply been trying to rally support for the charity event.

She said: "I helped organise this evening to raise money for my two chosen charities, The Haven House Hospice and Dream Factory, both of which support sick children in Redbridge.

"I'm deeply saddened that someone has tried to undermine this by taking my words out of context in this terrible way.

"I'm a Christian myself, and would never do or say anything to insult people who follow that faith."

The event will be held at Sir James Hawkey Hall, in Woodford Green, on Friday June 13, and feature a number of celebrity singers, including Mica Paris and Kenny Thomas.

Tickets cost £50, with doors opening at 7pm.