DURHAM's new Archdeacon is looking forward to playing a main role in the running of the city's cathedral.

The Venerable Ian Jagger, 51, who had been Archdeacon at Auckland, Bishop Auckland, was installed in his new post at an evensong service last night.

He takes over from the Reverend Stephen Conway, who now holds an assistant bishop's post in the diocese of Salisbury, Wiltshire.

Archdeacon Jagger said: "The big difference is when that I was Archdeacon of Auckland I lived there and I came to services here, but I was never part of the inner core, The Chapter.

"The Archdeacon of Durham is part of the Chapter and I am much more involved with the cathedral than I was before."

Part of that role will include being Canon Treasurer.

He added: "That means having overall charge of the finances, not the day-to-day stuff, but the overall oversight.

"The job of Archdeacon of Durham is to assist the Bishop in practical things such as making appointments, supporting the clergy and looking at situations where churches have to be altered."

Archdeacon Jagger, his wife Ruth - a teacher at the Chorister School - and son Aidan have moved from Auckland Castle into their home in Cathedral Close.