AN era will come to an end on Saturday when the country's second most senior clergyman moves on to pastures new.

The Archbishop of York, Dr David Hope, will bid farewell to the post at a service in York Minster.

The 11am service will mark the end of his nine years as Primate. He will take up a new role as the vicar of St Margaret's Church, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, later in the year.

Towards the end of the service, a presentation will be made to Dr Hope on behalf of the churches of the Diocese of York.

Dr Hope will then hand his pastoral staff - or crozier - to the Bishop of Hull, the Right Reverend Richard Frith, who as senior suffragan bishop will take responsibility for the care of the diocese until a new archbishop is enthroned.

"This will be a joyful, family occasion for the Diocese of York to give thanks to God for Archbishop David's ministry here, tinged with sadness as we shall miss him very much," said Bishop Frith.

"His years as bishop and archbishop have been an inspiration to many people of faith and of none, and his decision to return to the life of a parish priest is a wonderful affirmation of the life and work of local churches and their people."

It is anticipated that York Minster will be full, with at least 2,500 people expected to attend.

Church members will attend from parishes across the diocese which includes 600 churches from the Tees to the Humber and from the Yorkshire coast to the A1. They will be joined by parties and individuals from Dr Hope's former dioceses of London and Wakefield, and from further afield.

All are welcome at the service. Doors open at the west end of the Minster at 10am.