THE NEW Bishop of Bradford is today visiting his flock in the Ilkley area as part of a three-day trek around his diocese.

Bishop David James this week pulled on his walking boots for a three-day trek around the area, taking in Skipton, Bolton Abbey, Addingham, Ilkley, Keighley and Shipley.

The walk leads up to his 'welcoming service' at Bradford Cathedral on Saturday, and he hopes it will give him a chance to meet many residents of the diocese along the way.

He said: "I love walking and I would rather pray while walking than when sitting or kneeling or standing still."

Bishop David was yesterday expected to start his walk at Skipton, visiting St Peter's Church, Addingham for prayers later in the day, before walking on to St John's Church, Ben Rhydding, then paying a visit to Oasis caf in Ilkley.

His journey is hoped to resume today with prayers at St John's Church, Ben Rhydding, at 9am, followed by his visit to All Saints Church in Ilkley for prayers starting at 9.45pm.

Bishop David then plans to attend Eucharist at St Margaret's Church, Ilkley, at 10.30am, before he heads off across Ilkley Moor towards Riddlesden at 11.10am.

Bishop David said: "Bradford is a very diverse diocese. I wish I could have walked through every parish all the way down from Sedbergh or Dent. But I hope a three day walk can give expression to my being bishop of the whole diocese with a concern for every parish and person.

"I shall be delighted if people can join me along the way, and I look forward to chatting with those who would like to walk with me.

"We are going on a journey together with God and my prayer is that as we draw closer to each other, we will draw closer to him."

He is the first bishop to request a 'service of welcome' instead of the traditional 'enthronement' at Bradford Cathedral, because he is uncomfortable with regal connotations.