Reverend Richard Hart, 59, vicar of Beguildy, near Knighton, had previously pleaded guilty at Cardiff Crown Court on September 3 to possessing 56,832 indecent images of children, including 44 in category five, the most serious on the scale. He had also admitted 12 charges of making indecent images of children between 1999 and 2007, and four charges of taking indecent images in July 1991. He appeared before Cardiff Crown Court on Thursday for sentencing.

The prosecution said Hart had had an unhealthy interest in child pornography since the mid 1980s. In police interviews he had described himself as having a "magpie instinct" and had hoarded indecent images of children aged between four and 15.

As well as the pornography he had also collected 270 perverted stories, some recounting incest, and some of the images were sadistic in nature.

His wife Juliet Mary Hart, 41, had told police she was aware that her husband was viewing sexual images of children but said she did not see this as anyone's business

Dyfed Powys Police have said they are pleased with the conviction and sentence of Richard Hart. This is the second biggest seizure of its kind by Dyfed Powys Police.

In a released statement they said: "Concerns were raised with Powys Public Protection Unit in January 2008 as a result of covert operations by law enforcement agencies regarding Mr Hart's interest in sexual images of children. Within 24 hours a team of specialist officers from Dyfed Powys Police executed a search warrant at the home address.

"During the investigation conducted by Dyfed Powys Police, almost 57,000 sexual images of children were discovered on a computer taken from Mr Hart's home. The images ranged from category one to category five.

"In the operation a 41-year-old woman was also cautioned for possession of sexual images of children."

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Diane Davies said: "The images found on Mr Hart's computer were made when he was a vicar – he had a position of trust within the communities he served.

"We worked closely with the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Team (C.E.O.P.) during this investigation as well as the Crown Prosecution Service. CEOP provided us with expert assistance that meant together we were able to gather sufficient evidence to secure the conviction of Mr Hart.

"We have also worked closely with the Church in Wales and the community throughout the investigation and thank them for their cooperation.

"Dyfed Powys Police are committed to working with partner organisations to protect children and young people. Any one who commits offences against any vulnerable groups in our communities will be investigated and brought to justice."