A town church has been been branded ''sexist'' after it ruled against allowing a woman to become its next vicar - despite being the former home of 'Dibley' star Dawn French.

St Fimbarrus Parish Church in Fowey in Cornwall has not had a vicar for four years - but has now said it doesn't want a female.

Fowey Parochial Church Council (PCC) made the decision which some locals say is right on a ''theological basis'''.

But others are angry over the 'sexist' decision and believe it is ironic given actress and comedian Dawn French is a former resident of Fowey.

French, 65, is best known for her role as Geraldine Granger in the BBC's Vicar Of Dibley.

Locals were quick to comment on the decision.

One wrote online: ''Just turn it into something that will benefit the whole community rather than a handful of superstitious sexists.''

Another person added that the vote "makes the church look less relevant and more weird," while one pointed out: "'Oh the irony. So Dawn French lived here, she played a female vicar, which is not good enough for her former home.''

But others agreed with the move.

One local posted: ''Refusing it on grounds of theological basis is not sexist''.

Neighbouring communities Tywardreath and Golant have recently appointed a female vicar - the Reverend Shona Hoad.

Some locals felt she would have been ideal for St Fimbarrus but others wanted a male 'priest-in-charge'.

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Carol Carruthers, church warden, issued a statement on behalf of Fowey Parish Church.

It said: ''Fowey Parish Church is excited about the opportunity of a new vicar in Fowey after a gap of four years.

''We have funding for a part-time priest living and working in Fowey, allowing time for Sunday services and midweek outreach activity in our community.

"As an evangelical church we look to the bible for all matters of faith. The bible is very clear on equality – all are equal.

''The bible, much written 2000 years ago was ahead of its time in its progressive attitude to women.

''There is, however, debate over the roles women play within the church.

"The church council has agreed a compromise position where we will both welcome women priests to teach the bible faithfully each Sunday and lead communion, but seek an overall male priest in charge.

"We appreciate this can be difficult to understand looking from the outside into the church, but would robustly defend that this position is not sexist, is widely established in the worldwide church, and accommodates all views in the membership of our church without exclusion.

"We look forward to our new appointment arriving later this year and welcome any members of our community to come and discuss with us any concerns they may have."

The decision comes after a small group of locals apparently said they would quit the church unless it was run by a male.