A local vicar is opposing plans by the mayor of Aberystwyth to end a ban on the Monty Python film 'Life of Brian'.

Reverend Canon Stuart Bell has spoken against plans by Mayor Sue Jones-Davies to overturn a ban on cinema viewings of the film in Aberystwyth. The ban is thought to have been first recommended by a council of church leaders, when the film was released in 1979.

Jones-Davies appeared in the film, which told the story of Brian Cohen, a Jewish man who was crucified after being mistaken for the messiah. The film provoked controversy when it was first released and was banned in numerous towns and cities across the country.

Reverend Bell said the ban should not be lifted, "There's been no change in attitude or response to the film amongst the Christians who have spoken to me in Aberystwyth," reports the BBC.

"The film at its root is poking fun at Christ and we don't want that to happen. I don't think that the film should be shown. Why should the ban be removed?"

"If someone was going to make fun of my wife in a film then I would oppose that... Making fun of Jesus Christ, whom I love more than my wife, in a film is going to offend me."

Jones-Davies has previously said, "I would like to think that any religion would have the generosity to see the film for what it is, which is a comedy," according to the BBC.