The Church of England's first female bishop has been consecrated in a historic service which was disrupted by a lone protester.

The Reverend Libby Lane, who was trained in Durham, was ordained as the eighth Bishop of Stockport during a service at York Minster. The move ends centuries of all male leadership in the Church.

The protest happened around an hour into the service as the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, asked the congregation if it was their will that Rev Lane was ordained.

As the congregation of nearly 2,000 people replied "It is", a man stepped forward near the altar and shouted: "No. Not in my name.

"Not in the Bible. With respect, Your Grace, I ask to speak on this absolute impediment, please."

Dr Sentamu read out a pre-prepared statement and repeated his question. There was no further interruption and the service continued.

After the litany and an ordination prayer, Rev Lane knelt before the Archbishop while he and the other bishops present laid their hands on her head.

Dr Sentamu presented the new bishop with a Bible and anointed her head. The congregation applauded as she was officially presented as the Bishop of Stockport.

A Church of England spokesman said the protester was Rev Paul Williamson.

The spokesman described Rev Williamson as a "serial protester" and said they were expecting him to attend.

He said: "He's got the right to protest but the contrast was between a lone voice protesting and a sea of voices affirming."