The new Archbishop of York began his tenure today with a heartfelt call with a call for lost values - and more than a touch of humour.

Dr John Sentamu, the UK's first black Primate of the Church of England's Northern Province, said the country had lost the Christian wisdom which had brought to birth the English nation.

"Having shed an empire, has this great nation, and mother of parliaments, also lost a noble vision of the future?" he asked.

"We are getting richer and richer as a nation but less and less happy.

"The church in England must rediscover her self-confidence and self-esteem, that united and energised the English people those many centuries ago."

However his spectacular enthronement in York Minster was also a time for some light-heartedness - and he quoted one of his predecessors, Michael Ramsey.

Speaking in 1960 Archbishop Ramset said he longed for the day when the church in England would learn from the Christians of Africa and Asia.

"! should love to think of a black Archbishop of York holding a mission here," he said at the time.

And to rapturous applause Dr Sentamu told the congregation: "Here I am!"

Full coverage in The Northern Echo tomorrow.