THE VENERABLE Christine Hardman was confirmed as the new Bishop of Newcastle at an election service on Tuesday night.

The Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu led the confirmation of election service following Evensong, at York Minster.

Dr Sentamu said: “I am delighted to welcome Christine to the Province of York.

“She brings tremendous energy and enthusiasm for the Gospel as well as her wide experience of ministry and mission.

“I pray for Christine and for the Diocese of Newcastle at this exciting time."

The Venerable Hardman, 64, will be the 12th Bishop of Newcastle since the post was created on the formation of the Diocese of Newcastle by division from the Diocese of Durham in 1882.

The eleventh Bishop of Newcastle, the Right Reverend Martin Wharton, served from 1998 until his retirement in 2014.

The Consecration Service will be held on November 30 at York Minster.

The Venerable Hardman was ordained Priest in 1994.

She has been a member of the General Synod since 1998, with one brief break, and has served on many different committees including the Synod's Eucharistic Prayers Revision Committee, the Dioceses and Pastoral Measures Review Group and the Ethical Investment Advisory Group.

The Diocese of Newcastle stretches to the Scottish border and covers the city of Newcastle, Northumberland, North Tyneside and parts of Cumbria and County Durham.