EXHIBIT 99.1

                           CHESTER VALLEY BANCORP INC
                            ANNOUNCES 5% INCREASE IN
                             QUARTERLY CASH DIVIDEND




FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MONDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2003

CONTACT:   JOSEPH T. CROWLEY
           CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
           (610) 269-9700


Downingtown - Chester Valley Bancorp Inc. announced the declaration of a $.105
quarterly cash dividend, an increase of 5%. The dividend will be paid on
December 15, 2003 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on
December 8, 2003. The cash dividend is based on record earnings of $1.5 million
or $.30 per diluted share for the quarter ended September 30, 2003. At September
30, 2003, the Company had assets of $598.3 million and stockholders' equity of
$49.9 million.

Chester Valley Bancorp Inc. is the parent company of both First Financial Bank
and Philadelphia Corporation for Investment Services. First Financial Bank's
executive offices are located in Downingtown, Pennsylvania with additional
branch locations in Exton, Frazer, Thorndale, Westtown, Airport Village,
Brandywine Square, Devon, Kennett Square and Eagle. Philadelphia Corporation has
offices in Wayne and Philadelphia.

Chester Valley Bancorp stock is traded on the NASDAQ market under the symbol
"CVAL".