A FORMER bank clerk from Hampshire could be on the verge of making religious history.

The Church of England is set to shatter its “stained glass ceiling” today by voting in favour of appointing women bishops, 20 years after women priests were first ordained.

And among those tipped to be appointed the first female bishops is the Very Rev Dr Jane Hedges, who is originally from Locks Heath.

Currently the Dean of Norwich, Dr Hedges was among the first women to be ordained in 1994.

After leaving school she worked in a bank before taking A-levels at evening classes.

Between 1980 and 1983 she was curate of Holy Trinity with St Columba, in Fareham, and then a team vicar in Southampton from 1983- 1988.

Dr Hedges, a mother of two, received widespread coverage when she became the first clergywoman to shake hands with Pope Benedict XVI on a visit to Britain in 2010.

The 58-year-old former Canon Steward of Westminster Abbey and Archdeacon of Westminster was installed last month as Dean of Norwich.

The Anglican General Synod is today expected to approve legislation by allowing women to be nominated and chosen for senior posts.

Today’s vote has been welcomed by many, including the Diocese of Winchester.

In July the General Synod overwhelmingly backed legislation introducing the first women bishops in the Church of England and today’s vote will rubberstamp the move.

At the time of the move Bishop of Winchester, the Right Revered Tim Dakin, pictured below, said: “At last, gifted women leaders will be able to serve as bishops. I’m delighted.

“For so long, including in our own Diocese of Winchester, the Church of England has benefited greatly from the outstanding ministry of both women and men working together.

“Now, we can look forward to working together in our mission as bishops as well.”

The move, which comes 20 years after the first women priests were ordained, could see the first female bishop appointed next year.

It has been welcomed by long-term campaigners for change, who see it as the first step to widening female participation in the CofE.

Hilary Cotton, chairman of Women and the Church (Watch), said she would like to see women ultimately make up a third of bishops, around 40 posts, “in order to make a difference”.