THE new Bishop of Hereford - whose area of responsibility includes Ludlow and the Tenbury and Teme Valley ministry - has been appointed.

The Rt Rev Anthony Priddis, formerly Bishop of Warwick, takes over from the Rt Rev John Oliver.

The 104th holder of the ancient ecclesiastical title was brought up in a strong Christian family with "clergy on his mother's side".

His heart led him to the Church that had been a sure foundation since childhood, when a degree in biochemistry from Cambridge should, said the 55-year-old married father of three, have seen him in industry.

The bishop's wife, Kathy, is a professional artist specialising in portraits and Christian figurative painting. She has a keen interest in social issues.

They have three grown-up children, Michael, 28, lives in Sydney, Australia, James, 26, in Maidenhead, Berkshire, and Sarah, 22, works in PR.