AN INDEPENDENT review into the way the Church of England responded to sex offence allegations made against a bishop over 20 years ago has been commissioned by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Peter Ball, 83, who lives in Langport, admitted abusing 18 young men between the 1970's and 90's.

The former Bishop of Gloucester and Lewes was cautioned for one act of gross indecency in 1993.

He resigned but was allowed to work in churches until 2010.

In 2012, prompted by a Church of England review, Sussex Police reopened the case and last year charged him with a string of sex offences against teenage boys and young men.

Following his guilty pleas last month, the Church offered an "unreserved apology" to victims of Ball, who was Bishop of Lewes between 1977 and 1992 and Bishop of Gloucester from 1992 to 1993.

Ball will be sentenced tomorrow (October 7) at the Old Bailey.

The church's review will be published next year, and will examine its co-operation with the police, other professionals, and the extent to which it shared information.

Lawyers representing some of the abuse victims said the Church of England should no longer be allowed to police itself.

David Greenwood, head of child abuse at Switalskis Solicitors, which is representing four of Ball's victims, added: "The church should no longer be allowed to police itself and the introduction of mandatory reporting is long overdue.

"I will be advising the Goddard inquiry to recommend the establishment of an independent body to accept and investigate allegations of abuse without meddling by the country's institutions."

Ball admitted misconduct in public office by "misusing his position in authority to manipulate and prevail upon others for his own sexual gratification" in relation to 16 men between 1977 and 1992.

He also admitted indecently assaulting two victims between 1980 and 1983 and between 1990 and 1991.