The new Bishop of Bradford has spoken about the vital role schools have to play in the regeneration of the district.

The Right Reverend David James told hundreds of people who gathered at Bradford Cathedral for his welcome service that teachers were an integral part of the city's future.

Speaking in his first sermon, he described the teaching he had witnessed as "breathtakingly inspiring" and important for the welfare of society.

"What makes the key difference in our schools and in the lives of children is not the efforts of the Government to monitor and control or the senior management to manage," he said.

"It is the attitude of the staff towards the students and what they are helping them to learn."

Bishop David, former Bishop of Pontefract, also spoke about his hope for the revival of Manningham Mill under the Urban Splash programme which would restore life and bring hope to the neighbourhood.

The Reverend Stephen Treasure, vicar of All Saints, Little Horton, Bradford, talked about how his church served as a centre for the multi-cultural community offering a place for a nursery, dance and drama clubs and lunch groups.

And Janet Wade, diocesan president of the Mothers' Union, who was awarded an MBE in the Queen's New Year Honours List, shared her experiences of the church's role in rural regeneration.

She said the foot and mouth crisis had left the farming community bewildered and struggling but the church provided a source of comfort and hope. During a joyful service of prayer and song, Bishop David, the ninth Bishop of Bradford, signed the declaration and the oaths and received a loud round of applause from the congregation.

In the days leading up to the service he had undertaken a tour of the diocese which he described as "delightfully diverse", visiting different places of worship, business and leisure. He is pictured passing Midland Terrace, Bradford, where his grandfather once lived.

He enjoyed a trip to Bradford City's ground Valley Parade, City Hall, the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television, Bradford Police Station and shopping areas.

And he has pledged to form a multi-faith alliance with Hindus, Jews, Muslims and Sikhs who had welcomed him warmly.