Maldon's clergy have voiced their disappointment after the Church of England rejected a move to introduce women bishops.

The decision was made last Tuesday when 324 members of the synod voted for women bishops.

However, for the motion to be accepted, it needed a two thirds majority.

The 122 who voted against the proposal meant they won the day by six votes.

The Rev Lorna Smith, 59, the priest in charge at St Nicholas Church,Tillingham, described the situation as “a mess”.

She said: “This doesn’t do anybody any favours, it’s such a shame.

“They have just got themselves in a real mess, someone needs to sort them out.

“The sad thing is it’s women who are against it.

“It’s just a shame that the new Archbishop of Canterbury has got himself embroiled in all of this.”

See this week's MBS for the full story.