THE NEWLY-appointed Bishop of Whitby has said he is excited to take over the diverse patch which covers industrial Teesside, rural North Yorkshire and the coastline around Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay.

The Reverend Philip North, 45, currently team rector of the parish of Old St Pancras, London, will take up his new assignment to serve the people of Cleveland Archdeaconry and the Diocese of York in the spring.

Mr North said: “I am excited and humbled to have been appointed as Bishop of Whitby.

The North-East of England is very dear to my heart, having been a vicar in Sunderland and Hartlepool for many years, and it’s great to be coming back.

“I was in London for four years and while I will miss my parish I am looking forward to the new challenge of the extremely diverse region with farming communities, inner cities and seaside towns.

“I love the North-East – I’m a keen walker and cyclist and look forward to being close to the Cleveland Hills and North York Moors. I did the Coast to Coast last year and thought this area was so beautiful.”

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, who announced Mr North’s appointment at Thirsk Auction Mart last Friday, said: “I am delighted that Father Philip North has been appointed as the new Bishop of Whitby.

“He is a man of great faith and integrity and has a real heart for serving the community. I am sure his passion for helping others will shine through in the Cleveland Archdeaconry and the Diocese of York.”

Mr North studied at the University of York, and was ordained in 1992.