New bishop welcomed into diocese

Bishop Richard Blackburn will hold a senior role in the diocese

A service has been held at Liverpool Cathedral as an official welcome for the new Bishop of Warrington.

The Venerable Richard Blackburn, 57, a former Archdeacon of Sheffield and Rotherham, succeeds the Rt Rev David Jennings.

The Diocese of Liverpool service took place at the cathedral on Saturday afternoon.

The Bishop of Warrington is seen as the second most senior clergyman in the Diocese of Liverpool.

Bishop Blackburn's official consecration service was held at York Minster last week.

The Bishop of Liverpool, the Right Reverend James Jones, welcomed Richard Blackburn to the Diocese of Liverpool: "Richard has exactly the experience and gifts to succeed David as Bishop of Warrington."

Richard Blackburn is married to Helen, a professional viola player and teacher and currently Priest-in-Charge of St John's, Abbeydale, Sheffield. They have four children.