Adrian Fereday, 50, previously admitted 16 charges of making and possessing indecent photos of children.

The father-of-two downloaded images from the internet which featured a total of 24 girls aged between two and nine.

Formerly of Barker Hades Road, Letwell, Fereday has been suspended by the Diocese of Sheffield since the investigation first began in November last year.

Judge Simon Lawler said: "Your family, professional and pastoral life lie in ruins."

"You are obviously deeply ashamed of what has now become public and concerned for the effect on your family."

He added: "Every time you view images likes these, you breach the trust of those young children. You knew what you were doing was wrong."

Two of the 22 images and movies that Fereday downloaded were classed as grade five - the highest level of seriousness.

Defence barrister Robert Smith told the court that Fereday was 'full of remorse' and 'disgusted at himself'.

"The picture that his parishoners had of him has gone. His vocation as gone. His marriage gone, the trust and respect in his family and community has gone," he said.

"This is a burden that he will carry well past the court hearing in this case."

The court heard that Fereday had been suffering from 'depression' and refered to a 'dark cloud' hanging over him.

Proceedings for Fereday's divorce had been finalised just yesterday and his former wife heard his sentence from the public gallery.

Det Insp Dave Walker, of the Public Protection Unit in Maltby, said: "This is a positive outcome for South Yorkshire Police as crimes of this nature have a serious impact on local communities."

"It follows a full and detailed investigation subject to the arrest of Fereday in May."

"We are pleased to see that justice has been done."