THE first Bishop of Richmond in 94 years is set to be consecrated by the Archbishop of York in a service at Ripon Cathedral.

The Venerable Paul Slater, the former Archdeacon of Richmond and Craven, will take the new suffragan bishop post for the Diocese of West Yorkshire and the Dales in the first consecration of a bishop at the cathedral since 1293.

Consecrations in the Northern Province of the Church of England normally take place in York Minster.

The See of Richmond has been dormant since 1921, but has been revived, adding a sixth bishop to the diocesan leadership team.

The Archbishop of York, the Most Revd Dr John Sentamu, said the incoming bishop had "great gifts of ministry and mission, coupled with a deep-rooted knowledge of the diocese".

Diocesan Bishop Nick Baines added: "Paul Slater brings unrivalled experience of West Yorkshire at every level of the church, and has walked the journey of the last few years with us with great practical wisdom.

"He will hit the ground running and add great capacity to diocesan leadership, especially in the Leeds Episcopal Area for which he will largely take responsibility."

Dr Sentamu will lead the service, with bishops from across the Northern Province attending.