A FORMER radio producer of religious programmes has been elected president of the Methodist Conference. The Rev Graham Carter will start his year of office when Conference opens in Edinburgh in June 2006.

A native of Sunderland, he was ordained in 1970 and worked in Newcastle, Merseyside and Durham before becoming chairman of the Darlington district in 1997. He also worked for six years as a producer of religious programmes at BBC Radio Merseyside.

One of the themes of his year of presidency will be committed and responsible discipleship.

"In a time of change, all change in the Church needs to be underpinned with committed and responsible discipleship. It's no good changing structures unless people are committed," he said.

Mr Carter is married with two children and two grandchildren. He enjoys walking, music and model railways. He is a passionate supporter of Sunderland Football Club and Durham County Cricket Club.

He is looking forward to his presidency, during which he will travel widely in Britain and overseas. He will represent the church at national events such at the Armistice ceremony at the Cenotaph in London.

"It is an immense privilege and responsibility," he said.