THE new Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle has arrived in the region with a message of hope - and he has spoken of the need for unity in the Church and dialogue with other faiths.

Canon Kevin Dunn, who will become the twelfth Roman Catholic bishop for a diocese that stretches from Teesside to the Scottish borders, was speaking on eve of his ordination at St Mary's RC Church, in Newcastle, today.

He said: "Although the initial shock of my appointment has begun to subside, my excitement has intensified. I am so looking forward to taking up my position.

'In recent weeks I have learned much about the North-East and have taken the opportunity to visit when possible."

Canon Dunn said: "I am also looking forward to working with the leaders of the other Christian Churches and faiths, many of whom have written to me with kind words of welcome and encouragement.

"The unity of the church is very important. We need to work together - as Christian churches we have a common message.

"We need to work together with people of other faiths, particularly in these times. Where there is dialogue, there is always a new understanding."

Canon Dunn said he joined his predecessor, Bishop Ambrose Griffiths, on visits to Durham Cathedral, where they prayed at the tombs of St Bede and Cuthbert, and to Holy Island.

Bishop Ambrose, who is retiring, said: "He will be supported, as I have been, by the warmth and openness of its people."

Father Michael Campion, Dean of St Mary's, said: "He has extensive pastoral experience of dealing with a wide range of people and issues which should stand him in very good stead as he gets to know all of us in the region."

A keen golfer and lover of sport, Canon Dunn said he was keen to meet rugby star Jonny Wilkinson.