A VICAR dubbed Reverend Regeneration, for his community work, has been appointed Archdeacon of Sunderland.

The Reverend Canon Stuart Bain, vicar of Spennymoor and area dean of Auckland, will succeed the Venerable Frank White in the role.

During his ministry in the North-East, which included a stint as curate of Holy Trinity Church, in Washington, he has shown particular interest in urban issues and the role of the church in community regeneration.

Mr Bain will be installed in Durham Cathedral, on Monday, May 13.

In addition to his work as archdeacon, he will also be priest in charge of Hedworth and oversee urban development work in the diocese.