THE new Dean of Durham said he was filled with "awe and wonder" on formally taking up his role at the weekend.

Andrew Tremlett, former Rector of St Margaret’s Church at Westminster Abbey, has now officially succeeded the Very Reverend Michael Sadgrove, who retired in September 2015.

The procession for the service at Durham Cathedral started just after 2pm on Sunday with distinguished guests being led to their seats, ahead of the new Dean’s sermon.

He said: “I stand before you as your new Dean with a mixture of gratitude and admiration, of awe and wonder.

“Gratitude and admiration for the firm foundations which have been laid by my predecessor, Michael Sadgrove, whose immense contribution to the life of this cathedral I want to acknowledge and pay tribute to.

“He, in his turn, was building on the foundations laid by previous generations of Deans, among them the famous Herbert Hensley Henson who made the same journey as I have done from St Margaret’s Westminster, and whose diaries have featured large in the cathedral’s commemoration of the First World War.

“But there’s also awe and wonder. Beyond Tremlett or Sadgrove or Hensley Henson lie the more ancient foundations laid down by the company of Cuthbert and Bede.

“These are ancient roots, ones which probably are more striking to an outsider than to one who has grown up with them.”

Dean Tremlett was born and brought up in Plymouth and went to school there.

He read classics at Pembroke College, Cambridge and theology at Wycliffe Hall and Queen's College, Oxford, followed by an MPhil in Patristics at Exeter University. His ordination was in Exeter Cathedral.

Guests in attendance included Lord Lieutenant of County Durham, Sue Snowdon, The Bishop of Durham, the Right Reverend Paul Butler

The Chapter of Westminster Abbey, including the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend John Hall, as well the Priest-Vicars of St Margaret’s and Westminster Abbey, and the Minor Canons of Westminster Deputy Mayor of Durham, Bill Moir, vice-chancellor of Durham University, Stuart Corbridge, chief executive of Durham County Council, Terry Collins.

The Right Rev Paul Butler, Bishop of Durham, said: “I am delighted to formally welcome Andrew into the Diocese both as a member of the team and also as the Dean of Durham Cathedral.

“Andrew was announced as the next Dean back in December and I am very happy to see him formally take the helm, leading Durham Cathedral and its communities to new and greater things as part of our wider diocesan family.

“Andrew brings a wealth of experience, passion and energy for the role and I am very much looking forward to working with him.”