The former church of The Vicar of Dibley star Dawn French has appointed a female reverend – after officials sparked a sexism storm by barring women from applying for the position.

Revd Carol Edleston will take on the role in March at St Fimbarrus Parish Church in Fowey, Cornwall, which has not had a vicar for four years.

Fowey Parochial Church Council (PCC) made the initial decision to employ a new vicar in March but barred women from taking up the role as they advertised for a male vicar – despite Church of England laws allowing female vicars.

It divided locals at the time as the decision from Fowey Parochial Church Council (PCC) came after a minority of the congregation were alleged to have said they could not remain within the church on a ‘theological basis’ – unless the priest was a man.

But many others decried the ‘sexist’ decision, believing it was ironic given that Dawn French, who played a female vicar in one of her most famous roles, is a former resident of Fowey.

The former church of The Vicar of Dibley star Dawn French has appointed a female vicar, Revd Carol Edleston (pictured)  after officials sparked a sexism storm for barring women

Dawn French, best known for her role as Geraldine Granger in the BBC’s Vicar Of Dibley, is a former resident of Fowey

The Church said Revd Edleston will now take on the role in March as the Priest for Fowey.

READ MORE: Cornish church council refuses to hire a female priest-in-charge – sparking sexism storm and forcing leader to quit

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Posting the news on social media, the Church wrote: ‘We are pleased to say that Bishop Hugh has announced that our new Priest for Fowey Parish Church will be Rev Carol Edleston, who lives in Fowey and has a heart for the town and the people.

‘We are thrilled. Say hello if you see Carol in the street.’

Revd Edleston, who is currently a curate in St Austell, and Truro Anglican, said the appointment ‘marks a step in the right direction for the parish, and a strategic appointment, as the parish works towards a new relationship with the parishes of Tywardreath and Golant as envisaged in the deanery plan’.

Revd Carol Edleston, whose husband’s family will be celebrating their move to Fowey for a century now, has already officiated at a number of large community events in the town during recent months.

During the sexism row, locals were quick to comment, with one stating that the vote ‘makes the church look less relevant and more weird’.

Another said: ‘Oh the irony. So Dawn French lived here, she played a female vicar, which is not good enough for her former home.’

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

Revd Edleston said: ‘Words can’t express how delighted I was to receive the offer of the position of “Priest for Fowey” from Bishop Hugh.

‘Fowey is where our heart is; we love the people, the town and of course, the church.

‘At community events, I have received overwhelming kindness.

‘There is no place I would rather serve.

‘The church has already worked on a vision for moving forward which brings St Fimbarrus into the heart of the community and we strongly support this aspiration.

‘Knowing Fowey as I do, I believe this is what the town would like to see.

‘This is the beginning of a new chapter in the life of this ancient church, and I sincerely believe it will be a precious one, with people coming together, finding God’s love and peace, and sharing it around I can’t wait!

‘We are incredibly fortunate to have a great deal of talent on our doorstep, and I know that the gifts Revd Shona has, the strong leadership of our Rural Dean, Revd Paul, and the support of the diocese will bring a richness to the work in Fowey, and in turn we will share what we have been given with those around us. There are exciting possibilities ahead.’

Fowey Parochial Church Council (PCC) made the initial decision to employ a new priest at St Fimbarrus Parish Church (pictured) in March but barred women from taking up the role as they advertised for a male vicar – despite Church of England laws allowing female vicars

The quaint port town of Fowey, where residents were divided over the decision to bar women from becoming the local church priest

Merisa MacInnes, PCC Vice Lay Chair, added: ‘After years of being a church led by lay volunteers, we are thrilled to have our own named, local priest.

‘Carol is loved and respected by those in church and the wider community of Fowey. She will be warmly welcomed and it is an answer to prayer that Carol has such a strong calling to serve as our local priest.

‘She will bring enthusiasm, experience and new ideas to keep our parish church at the heart of our town.’

The Ven Kelly Betteridge, Archdeacon of Bodmin, said: ‘I am delighted that someone who knows and loves Fowey and its people, and who is loved by them, will be the new ‘Priest for Fowey’.

‘Carol’s unique understanding of the place, and her vision for the parish church, offers fresh hope after a challenging season.

‘I look forward to seeing the way in which she will use her many gifts and graces to enable the church to flourish and the wider parish to know it has a church of warmth and welcome at the heart of Fowey.’

Neighbouring communities Tywardreath and Golant had also recently appointed a female vicar – the Reverend Shona Hoad.

The sexism claims were strongly denied by the church, but in July a newly elected parochial church council said it would reverse the position and open up the possibility of a woman becoming priest.