A CATHEDRAL has created its first senior post for rural and educational matters and revived a historic role in a bid to strengthen its clergy team.

As part of Ripon Cathedral’s vision for the future, Area Dean of Whitby, the Revd Barry Pyke has been appointed as Canon for Rural Engagement and Education while the Rev Dan Sladden, of Sowerby will join the clergy team as minor canon succentor.

Rev Sladden, who trained as a pioneer minister and following a four-year curacy at Ingleby Barwick in York Diocese, will revive an historic job - being responsible for worship supporting the precentor - but with an up to date brief to develop worship for the wider community.

Rev Pyke is the Rector of Hinderwell, Roxby and Staithes with Lythe, Sandsend and Ugthorpe and is also a reserve Army Chaplain and plans to continue developing links with the military in his new post.

Rev Pyke said: "I love the rural environment and working in rural areas and it’s something I am really looking forward to. I will be looking at supporting rural ministry and raising the profile of the cathedral."

Both clergy will be installed in their new roles on Sunday, September 11.

The appointments follow publication of the cathedral’s strategy document, Growing God’s Kingdom, which outlines the cathedral’s strategy for the next few years.