A NEW Bishop of Richmond has been announced today after almost 100 years of the post lying vacant.

The Venerable Paul Slater is a new suffragan bishop for the newly created Diocese of West Yorkshire and the Dales, and will be based in Leeds working with clergy and parishes.

The Rt Rev Slater, who is currently Archdeacon of Richmond and Craven, is the first Bishop of Richmond since 1921 and will be consecrated at Ripon Cathedral on Sunday, July 19.

The Diocesan Bishop, the Rt Revd Nick Baines said: “The Bishopric of Richmond has been dormant since 1921 but has been revived, adding a sixth bishop to the leadership team of a diocese which is one of the largest in the country – and only one year old.

“The diocese is still evolving and this post adds necessary capacity, increasing support for clergy and parishes in Leeds.”

Rt Rev Slater said: "I look forward to getting to know the people and churches of the Leeds Episcopal Area.

“I first got to know the city in the 1980s when I worked among homeless men at St George's Crypt; Leeds in 2015 is an exciting place to live, with ambitious plans for itself, and I believe the church has an important role to play in fostering its wellbeing and welfare."

Rt Rev Baines added: "Paul Slater brings unrivalled experience of West Yorkshire at every level of the church, and his practical wisdom will be of great benefit to both Leeds and the diocese.”