RECTOR of Bolton Abbey, the Rev Canon Simon Cowling is to be the new Dean of Wakefield Cathedral, it has been announced today.

During his time at Bolton Abbey, Canon Cowling has helped enhance its reputation both as a place of worship and as a popular visitor destination.

In the year from September, 2016, some 162,000 visitors and worshippers came through the doors - an increase of 50 per cent on previous numbers.

And now, he will take charge at Wakefield Cathedral.

Speaking at Wakefield Cathedral, he said: “It is a huge privilege to have been invited to become the next Dean of Wakefield and to join colleagues on chapter in the next phase of the cathedral’s journey under God,” he said.

“Wakefield Cathedral describes itself on its website as ‘a place of conversation for all faiths and none’. I am looking forward immensely to joining the conversation, to learning more about the many good things that are going on in the cathedral, the city and the district, and to engaging with them.”

The Rt Rev Nick Baines, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Leeds, who made this morning's announcement said:

“I’m delighted at the appointment of Simon Cowling as the next Dean of Wakefield.Simon has wide parochial and cathedral experience, and, working with good colleagues, he will bring significant gifts, knowledge and wisdom to the task of leading Wakefield Cathedral”.

The sub Dean of Wakefield Cathedral, Canon Tony Macpherson, said: "We are very pleased to welcome Simon to our life and ministry here in Wakefield Cathedral, and look forward to his leadership.

“This marks an exciting new phase for us, as we look to him to build on our engagement with our diocese, city and district.”

Canon Cowling added that Wakefield was one of three cathedrals, including Bradford and Ripon, which served the 'young and vibrant' Diocese of Leeds.

“Under the leadership of Bishop Nick Baines, the Diocese of Leeds is acquiring a reputation for innovative, creative, and fresh thinking about the ways in which the good news of Jesus Christ might be communicated to our generation," he said.

“My hope, prayer, and intention is that, under my leadership as Dean, Wakefield Cathedral will play its full part in maintaining and growing that reputation, not least by exploiting to the full the beautifully reordered interior of the cathedral which owes so much to the vision and energy of Dean Jonathan Greener."

He added:" Christians can never hope to commend to anyone the value of what goes on inside their buildings unless we are deeply interested in what goes on outside them.

“So one of my key responsibilities as Dean will be to ensure that the Cathedral’s ministry is as available beyond its doors as it is within them. “