A CANON who has been working in the North-East has been appointed as the new Bishop of Doncaster.

The Revd Canon Sophie Jelley, who is the director of mission, discipleship and ministry in the Diocese of Durham, and Canon Missioner at Durham Cathedral, said she was delighted to have been appointed to the role.

She said: "I have sensed a strong call from God to this role in this particular place at this time with all the challenges and opportunities it brings. I have loved my years in Durham and will greatly miss the people of the North-East in both diocese and cathedral.

"The Northern province has become ‘home’ and it will be a great privilege to continue to minister here and serve God through his church and the wider community.”

She will be consecrated as bishop at York Minster next March.

The Rt Revd Paul Butler, Bishop of Durham said: “I am thrilled that Sophie has been announced as Bishop of Doncaster. She has been outstanding as our Diocesan Director of Mission, Discipleship and Ministry leading her team with vision, clarity, care and by example.

"She has also served wonderfully well in our cathedral. Sophie loves God wholeheartedly, is prayerful, shares Jesus with others and is a great colleague. She is very well supported by her family whom she loves deeply. We will miss her but believe she will be an excellent bishop.”

Ordained deacon in 1997, she became a priest in 1998 and has worked in posts across the country, taking up her current role four years ago.

She is married to Chris and is a mother-of-three. She is also a keen musician, playing the violin and viola and enjoys running.

The role of the Bishop of Doncaster was created in 1972

The Very Revered Andrew Tremlett, Dean of Durham said: "The whole community at Durham Cathedral is delighted to hear the fantastic news of Canon Sophie Jelley's appointment as Bishop of Doncaster.

“As Canon Missioner at Durham Cathedral since 2014, Sophie has been an outstanding colleague on chapter and has led our missional engagement on those festival occasions, such as the Lumiere light festival, when thousands of people flock into the cathedral.

“Her support for diocesan evangelistic initiatives, like the Talking Jesus mission, made a huge impact on how the cathedral and diocese have worked as partners in mission.

“Sophie has been a blessing to the communities of Durham and we pray God's richest blessing on her new ministry in the Diocese of Sheffield.”

Revd Canon Jelley will be consecrated as Bishop on March 25 at York Minster. Following her consecration, she will look to start her new role fully by Easter.