THE NEW Bishop of Durham is to see at first hand large parts of his new diocese on the run up to his enthronement next week.

A pilgrimage walk will allow the Rt Rev Tom Wright to visit many churches in cities, towns and villages in the diocese.

Among the destinations on the week-long pilgrimage are principle historic and sacred sites, as well as other places of interest representing life in the diocese.

Dr Wright will be accompanied by members of the clergy, while members of the public are invited to join in on two stages of the journey. They are invited to take part in the opening stretch of the pilgrimage, between Jarrow and Wearmouth, on Sunday, and the penultimate phase, from Gateshead to Chester-le-Street, on Saturday, October 11.

The last leg, from Chester-le-Street, will bring him to Durham where his inauguration and enthronement take place at the cathedral on Sunday, October 12.

He will be joined on the final stage ceremony by Bishop Joseph of Lesotho, Durham's twin diocese, the Bishop of Jarrow, the Rt Rev John Pritchard, and Bishop Stephen Sykes, principal of St John's College, Durham.

This Sunday's events begin with a eucharist service at St Paul's Church in Jarrow, at 8am, and will end with evening prayer at St Peter's Church in Monkwearmouth, Sunderland, at 6pm.