"Am I bovvered?" - the catchphrase made famous by the rebellious, tracksuit-wearing Lauren Cooper on television's The Catherine Tate Show - is one of the most popular sayings among young fans of the comedian.

But a county vicar has spoken out against the "not bovvered" attitude displayed by the fictional character - and the younger generation as a whole.

The Rev Tony Hogg has criticised the character's couldn't-care-less attitude towards the needs of others, and believes it could be a growing problem in real life.

Writing in the parish newsletter for Hanney, East Challow and Denchworth, near Wantage, he said not being "bovvered" undermined the fabric of society.

And he used the example of Lauren - who argues with other people by answering "Am I bovvered?" to everything they say - to help people understand why bothering matters.

The 53-year-old vicar said: "Some people say it in a joking way, but for others it's a way of life.

"I think that trying to make people bothered is the duty of us all, whether Christians or not.

"I have had a very big response to my article in the newsletter. People have been supportive of what I am saying.

"I don't make a judgement about the programme, which contains very varied humour.

"I just think it is something that we should all be considering.

"I am sure that if I met Catherine Tate she would agree with me - that kind of attitude is what she is satirising."

The Rev Hogg added that respect for others should start in the family and be encouraged and built on in schools.

He said: "We read and hear of mindless acts of violence, of destruction of property and the spoiling of others' enjoyment, which speak of a generation of people who have lost any regard for the dignity of human nature."

The Rev Hogg said he considered the recent vandalism of Hanney cricket pitch a prime example of people not being bothered about the feelings of others.

He said: "We've had a sad example of people not being 'bovvered' where someone has dug holes in Hanney cricket pitch. It is a mindless thing - what is the point of that.

"I heard about it just as I was in a primary school talking to the children about having respect for each other."

A BBC spokesman said they do not consider the Rev Hogg's comments reflected badly on The Catherine Tate Show.