Two Forest Gate vicars accused of arranging hundreds of sham marriages to help immigrants stay in Britain illegally will face trial next month.

Revs Brian Shipsides, 54, and Elwon John, 50, are each charged with conspiracy to facilitate unlawful immigration between December 27 2007 and August 4 2010.

They have been suspended from their duties at All Saints Church in Romford Road and St Edmunds in Katherine Road by the Church of England.

Shipsides, of Claremont Road, Forest Gate and John, of Kennedy Road, Barking are on bail to appear at Inner London Crown Court on July 29.