THE new Archbishop of York will be father of three Stephen Cottrell who says he is looking forward to helping to address the discrepancies of wealth and opportunity that too often favour the South.

The new Archbishop will take over the second most senior position in the Church of England from Dr John Sentamu in June next year. He says he is humbled and excited to be taking over adding: "These aren't just big shoes to fill, but a big heart and a big vision, however I am not daunted."

The current Bishop of Chelmsford he has in the past called on the C of E to shed its middle class "Marks & Spencer" image,says he is looking forward to returning and being a voice for the North. He added: "Archbishop Sentamu and I have worked together in mission on many occasions and I hope to build on the work he has pioneered.

"Working alongside the Archbishop of Canterbury, I hope to help the church be more joyful and more effective in sharing the gospel and bringing hope and unity to our nation".

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said: "Archbishop Sentamu's ministry has been extraordinarily significant. In Bishop Stephen there is a worthy successor. He is someone who radiates the joy and love of Jesus, making his hearers want to meet and know Christ better.

"He has been a bishop for 15 years, and wherever he has gone he has spread the love of God, leading churches to be more confident in what they believe and more passionate in what they do for their communities.

"Personally, I know that he will be both an encouraging and a challenging colleague, and am sure that working together we will be able to address spiritually and practically the great challenges facing our country, and facing the Church of England."

Dr Sentamu welcomed the appointment saying: "Bishop Stephen Cottrell has the Gospel in his belly and a tiger in the tank.

"I am glad he is returning to the northern province where he with others developed the Emmaus course for evangelism, nurture and discipleship. His greatest passion is to share the Gospel with everyone in a friendly and accessible way. His nomination as my successor has gladdened my heart and he can rely on my prayers.

"He and Rebecca will find a warm welcome here at Bishopthorpe and throughout the northern province."

Bishop Cottrell applauded the work done by Dr Sentamu adding: "He's a great champion of the very things I've tried to change, social justice, sharing the gospel but most of all not taking yourself too seriously, doing it in a joyful way."

When asked about the Church's views on homosexuality he replied: "My starting point when approaching these questions is that we must be a Church for everyone and I do mean everyone." On historic child abuse allegations he said restoring faith in the Church would be his "top priority" adding: "It is important "survivors' voices are heard. When I look at the challenges that lie ahead I think this is probably the most important.

"We need to put our house in order, we need to ensure that the Church is a safe place for everyone."