THE Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, will visit Middlesbrough on Wednesday.

Dr Sentamu will spend the morning meeting local clergy to learn about their parishes before getting out and about in the afternoon, accompanied by the Rural Dean of Middlesbrough, Canon Erik Wilson.

The Archbishop will visit King's Manor School, in Acklam, where he will watch two performances by pupils before joining year 11 religious education pupils for a question and answer session.

Later in the afternoon, Dr Sentamu will meet the Mayor of Middlesbrough, Ray Mallon, at the town hall, followed by a visit to the Kara Project, in South Bank.

An open meeting for local church members and the public will be held at St Cuthbert's Church Hall, Marton, from 7pm.

Following a short act of worship, the Archbishop will speak to the meeting before answering questions.

Dr Sentamu said: "I've been looking forward to this day in Middlesbrough because it's such a busy and vibrant place, and the churches make a real contribution to the life of the communities here. Churches are working together to offer people a spiritual lead in the schools, and to meet practical and urgent needs through projects such as Kara.

"It's good to see the churches and church people so committed to the neighbourhoods around them, and standing up for the Gospel of Jesus Christ - about love, acceptance, forgiveness and hope."