Prime Minister Tony Blair has led the tributes to the Bishop of Durham, who has announced his retirement.

The Right Reverend Michael Turnbull, a lifelong cricket fan, revealed his decision during a test match at Headingley, Leeds, on Saturday.

The 66-year-old will stand down in April 2003 when he will have served as Bishop of Durham for almost nine years.

Mr Blair said: "During these difficult financial times for the Church of England, Bishop Michael has performed an excellent job of making the necessary changes to ensure the church has a physical presence in the future life of many of the local parishes.

"He has encouraged the church to engage and work within the local community and take a more active part in people's lives.

"He has worked to make the church active, living, caring organisation and not just a building where people go to worship.

"He will be missed, but we wish him a long and healthy retirement and look forward to seeing him at the county cricket ground many more times in the future."

Derek Foster, MP for Bishop Auckland, added: "Rev Turnbull has made an outstanding contribution to the whole of the North-East and particularly the town of Bishop Auckland.

"He has always been willing to become involved in assisting the development of community life and has played a full and active part in the House of Lords.

"He ought to be particularly implored for his impartial chairmanship of the North East Constitutional Council where he has worked tirelessly with great diplomacy to bring about the possibility of regional government."

Durham County Council Chairman Charles Magee said: "Bishop Michael brought great warmth, wisdom and dignity to his Ministry and will be a great spiritual and secular loss to the Diocese and County of Durham."

Canon Eric Stephenson, Chaplain to her Majesty, said: "I have been lucky to work closely with Bishop Turnbull for several years and always found him to be an outstanding colleague.

"He has done an enormous amount of work in his time with the diocese, which he has always done with the aim of encouraging a holy, learning and witnessing people.

"Although he has entirely fulfilled his national roles the diocese has always had his complete commitment.

"People have always been able to talk to him and he is genuinely interested in what everyone has to say. As chairman of various bodies he is able to puts subjects into perspective, ensures everyone's opinion is respected and has a talent for getting the most out of people.

"The work he and his wife Brenda has done to make Auckland Castle welcoming to all should be praised and both will be missed." .