THE Catholic Church faced more allegations of child cruelty by nuns yesterday after two sisters claimed they were savagely beaten with sticks in a Mid- lothian hospital 30 years ago.

Tillie McCourt, 54, and her sister, Frances, 51, claimed the attack involved nuns from the Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul. The incidents were said to have taken place at St Joseph's Hospital, Rosewell. The sisters are considering legal action.

A spokesman for the Catholic Church said the incidents did not come under its jurisdiction and advised the sisters to contact the police.