The Bishop of Bradford today announced he is to retire after ten years in the role.

The Right Reverend David Smith, has overseen troubled times in the city during which he has tried to engender closer links between the different communities.

He said: "I am very torn as I have greatly valued my time as Bishop of Bradford and in many ways would like to continue longer.

"However, I think it is the right time for a change of bishop who will be able to work with newly-appointed officers in developing the life and work of the Church in the years ahead.

"The normal retiring age is 65 and I have been privileged to serve longer than that."

He was previously Bishop of Maidstone and, for two years, Bishop to Her Majesty's Forces before coming to Bradford.

The Right Rev Smith is also a member of the House of Lords, a Church Commissioner, chairman of Bradford Council's standards committee and in July was awarded an honorary degree by the University of Bradford for his interfaith work.

He will retire at the end of June.