A CONTROVERSIAL "torture den" set up in an Accrington town centre shopping street has drawn a storm of criticism from church leaders.

Peaches lingerie store on Abbey Street, which sells a range of saucy underwear, has opened the risque cellar where people can go to act out their fantasies.

Owner Tracy Wilkinson, 39, who also goes by the name of Mistress Pain, set up the dungeon six months ago and offers her services as a dominatrix to punters paying more than £100 an hour.

The cellar is also used for photo-shoots and can be hired out to couples who want to make use of the restraining equipment.

Tracy said she could not comment this week as she had signed an exclusive contract with a women's magazine.

But she was happy to take Observer reporter Simon Thacker on a tour of what her cellar has to offer.

Among other things, he saw a rack, a pair of stocks, an X-shaped crucifix and a metal cage.

There is also a room set up to resemble a school classroom complete with blackboard and wooden desks catering for people's fantasies.

But church leaders are unimpressed, saying the business is unsuitable for the town centre.

The Rev Kevin Logan, vicar of Christ Church, Accrington, said: "Sex is a wonderful and beautiful gift from a generous God. He designed it so that men and women could comfort, strengthen and enjoy each other in marriage.

"Of course he gave us freedom to do as we wish and our society reflects that. This lady is free to do as she wishes as long as she is not breaking the law.

"She is free to be her own God, to make her own rules and to encourage others to do the same.

"However, from God's point of view what she is doing is very sad as it is degrading God's gift by making it into something to be bought on the high street."

Asid Mahmood of Hyndburn United Muslims said: "From an Islamic point of view, we would not see this as a positive contribution to society.

"We are keen to promote the institution of the family and therefore something like this would not be seen as acceptable even though it is not a brothel. I certainly do not think Muslims would visit this place."

The business has been a talking point for nearby shop owners and customers since it opened.

Fred Barratt, of Passion for Soles shoe shop across the road, said: "I wouldn't go anywhere near there now. It's just not my cup of tea.

"I think the plan will probably back-fire. A lot of people who used to go in to choose items for their wives may feel uncomfortable."

Brian Grooby, of the nearby Music Box store, said: "I haven't seen that many people going in or out but nobody has said much about it, to be honest.

"I think people are just taking the attitude of live and let live. A lot of people were not even aware of it until recently."