A suspended priest cleared of child sex allegations in South Africa could resume his duties in the pulpit of his village church near Wantage as soon as Sunday.

Parishioners who have supported him since the accusation was first made last April are expected to give him a warm welcome when he returns.

Father Tony Hogg, 52, who is vicar of Hanney, Denchworth and East Challow, was expected home last night after a charge of indecent assault on a 10-year-old boy was dropped by prosecutors in Cape Town earlier this week. He was accused of sexually abusing the street child during a charity trip to the country.

Father Hogg denied the allegation. No reason was given for the withdrawal of the charge. Today, Father Hogg was expected to meet with the Bishop of Reading, the Rt Rev Stephen Cottrell, before resuming his duties.