A 10-year-old girl has made an emotional plea to church bosses asking them to reconsider their decision not to permanently install a temporary vicar.

Little Isabell Jordan sent an email to the Archdeacon of Westmorland and Furness after Rev Carl Carter was told he would not be permanently taking over the helm at St George’s Church in Millom.

There has been an outpouring of support within the community for Rev Carter, who has been running the church for the last 18 months.

Isabell, a Black Combe Junior School pupil, decided to email The Ven Vernon Ross, after raising the issue with her mum Hannah, 43.

Isabell told The Ven Ross: “I think that you have made a mistake not giving Carl Carter the vicar’s job. When he came to our school he made the boring assemblies fun.

“He is kind and funny. He deserved the job.

“He makes everyone in this town smile on the saddest of days.

“If he saw me in the streets he would shout ‘Hi Isabell’.

“He knows everyone’s name and he is just amazing.

“I hope after reading this you re-think your decision. Remember I am 10 and even a 10-year-old wants him to get the job. My friends at school even want him to have the job and they are nine and eight. Come on he is great. Millom loves him.”

Councillor Jane Micklethwaite said: “He’s a very popular local man.

“He’s not conventional as far as vicars go but he is very popular and people say he is very empathetic during services.

“He has been working for free and the people of Millom want him.

“He started off as an ordinary man but he studied for nine years to be a reader, he definitely has a calling from God.

“As a regular attender at St George’s Church, he has a calling and he is a man of the people.”

Millomite Jenn Jakubowski created a poll to show support for the Reverend. 870 voters stated that they wanted Rev Carter to take the position, as opposed to only two against.

Other supporters have sent emails to the Bishop of Carlisle in the hope Rev Carter is seen as good fit for Millom.

The Rt Rev James Newcombe, the Bishop of Carlisle, said: “I am sure you will appreciate that the appointment process is one governed by strict confidentiality and so you will understand that I cannot comment in detail.”

Rev Carter was unable for comment.