Members of an entire Anglican parish in Folkestone have decided to take up an offer by the Pope to convert to Roman Catholicism.

The congregation of St Peter's in the town voted to defect because they resent the creation of women bishops.

The Pope's unexpected offer came a year ago following dissent within the worldwide Anglican community over whether women first ordained as priests in 1994 could become bishops.

The offer allows converts to keep some Anglican practices but there are fears that there could be a mass exodus from Anglican ranks.

St Peter's in Folkestone has now become the first congregation to ask to join the Roman Catholic church as a group.

Its move came as a traditionalist bishop in London also announced his intention to convert.