THE Church of England’s Durham diocese has appointed a new diocesan secretary.

Andrew Thurston will work closely with the new Bishop of Durham Paul Butler, who was enthroned on Saturday (February 22).

Mr Thurston was previously chief executive of business organisation Lincolnshire Enterprise and has worked as a pharmacist.

He said: “My first job is to understand where we are, talking to people in the diocese and understanding what they think we need to do.

“It’s about listening to people. That’s very important.

“After I’ve done that, I’ll be able to work with the bishop to bring about priorities. The bishop will want to move and move fast.”