DOWNING Street today announced the appointment of two Area Bishops for Bradford and Huddersfield.

The Reverend Dr Toby Howarth, currently Secretary for Inter Religious Affairs to the Archbishop of Canterbury and National Inter Religious Affairs Adviser for the Church of England, will be the Bishop of Bradford.

The Reverend Dr Jonathan Gibbs, currently Rector of Heswall in the Diocese of Chester, will be the first ever Bishop of Huddersfield - one of five areas in the diocese, which each have their own bishop.

The Right Reverend Nick Baines, Bishop of West Yorkshire & the Dales, said: “Toby brings expertise in teaching, pastoral care, leadership and interfaith relations at parish, national and international level. This is an important appointment for the Church of England and for Bradford where he will serve as Area Bishop.

“Jonathan brings wide experience at parish, diocesan, national and international level.”

Both bishops will be consecrated at York Minster on October 17.