FURTHER details have been confirmed for Wednesday’s funeral service for the former Bishop of Durham, the Right Reverend David Jenkins.

The controversial cleric and theologian, who served as bishop for ten years from 1984, died in Barnard Castle, aged 91, earlier this month.

He had been living with Alzheimer’s disease for a number of years prior to his death.

His funeral will take place at Durham Cathedral, a service to be presided over by the Dean of Durham, the Very Reverend Andrew Tremlett, with an address to be given by the Bishop of Ripon, the Right Reverend James Bell.

Also expected to be in attendance is The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, who spoke of former Bishop Jenkins’, “making his mark on the lives of countless clergy and laity,” during his years in and out of office.

On his retirement as bishop, in 1994, Dr Jenkins took the post of honorary assistant bishop in Ripon and Leeds.

David Kennedy, vice-dean and precentor of the cathedral, described it as, “an honour and a privilege to be able to host the funeral of the former Bishop of Durham, David Jenkins, and provide support for his family at this difficult time.”

Dr Jenkins’ passing will also be mourned by members of the former colliery communities in County Durham, who welcomed the ex-bishop’s support during the 1984/85 miners’ strike.

The Durham Miners’ Association (DMA) band will perform the traditional miners’ hymn, Gresford, during the service and its banner, as well as those of other National Union of Mineworkers’ colliery lodges, will be flown before and after the funeral, forming a guard of honour as the ex-bishop’s coffin is carried into and out of the cathedral, onto Palace Green.

It will create a scene usually only seen at the traditional Durham Miners’ Gala day memorial service at the cathedral.

Association secretary Alan Cummings said: “I have spoken to the people at the cathedral and they offered us that when he died.

“They said we’re welcome to parade our banner and the family have no problem with any other banners being brought, just like any miners’ memorial service.

“The mining communities recognise what Bishop Jenkins did.

“He came in as bishop in 1984, in the miners’ strike and was immediately supportive.”

Mr Cummings said members of the association executive committee will attend the service, which begins at 11am.