Future Bishop of Durham is former oil worker

Now serving as the Dean of Liverpool, where he was appointed in December 2007, he will succeed Dr Tom Wright, who left Durham after seven years as bishop at the end of August last year.

The announcement by Downing Street that Dr Welby has been approved by the Queen as Bishop Designate of Durham was made on Ascension Day, one of the most important dates in the Christian calendar.

It marks a return to Durham for the 55-year-old experienced parish priest, who has experience of lay life in his younger days.

Having studied law and history at Cambridge University, prior to 11 years working in the oil industry, he studied theology and trained for ministry in the Church at Cranmer Hall and St John's College of Durham University from 1989 - 92.

He went on to serve three years in a busy urban parish in Nuneaton, before becoming Rector of Southam, both in Warwickshire, before becoming a canon of Coventry Cathedral in 2002.

In his last 18 months in Coventry he was sub-dean of the cathedral before being installed Dean of Liverpool.

Dr Welby is a married father of five children, aged 15 - 26, while another child died in infancy in a road accident.

He is said to "like most things French", while also having a passion for sailing.

Describing his appointment as "something of a homecoming", given his three years studying in Durham, he said he is looking forward to being part of the continuing renewal of the ministry of the diocese, and becoming a vocal advocate of the North-East.

"To become Bishop of Durham is a huge privilege for many reasons.

"It is an ancient diocese, going way back before England itself existed.

"The heritage is extraordinary.

"Bishops of Durham stand on the shoulders of some of the greatest Christians Europe has produced, from the Seventh Century to the 21st.

"On this Ascension Day, I'm reminded that the job is above all to ensure the Church of England is renewed in faith and experience of the power of God so that it can play its part in serving one of the most exciting and vibrant parts of the country.

"Coming here means being part of a remarkable community grounded in history but always moving forwards.

"Because of the heritage and the strength of the area, to be a good bishop here is about as challenging as it gets.

"I know that I have much to learn about the area and its issues.

"We have lived here before, from 1989-1992, when I was training for ordination, and one of our children was born at what was Dryburn Hospital.

"But, that was a while ago, and a short time, anyway."

He said his first priority will be to "get around as much as possible and listen as carefully as possible to as many people as possible".

"Being the bishop has many aspects. The key one is leading the clergy of the diocese in worship and mission, serving the people who live here, and living out our love for Christ with those around.

"Another is the great opportunity to join those who are advocates for the North-East, as a result of being in the House of Lords.

"This, like Liverpool, where we have lived for three and a half years, is a part of the country that has had a more than its fair share of hard times.

"Yet, also like Liverpool, it is full of fire and life and faith, and capable of attracting investment and energy from all over the world because of the qualities of its people and life here.

"Recently, Hitachi announced the news of opening a new train manufacturing plant with 500 jobs near Darlington, the cradle of the railway industry.

"That is the sort of achievement that only a truly outstanding area can win in the 21st century.

"So, my second priority is to learn how to be a good advocate for this area, and see the church continuing to contribute to its life and development, in faithfulness to Christ.

"This is a wonderful challenge and privilege, but there is a vast amount to take in."

Welcoming the announcement, the Right Reverend Mark Bryant, the Bishop of Jarrow, who has been acting bishop since Dr Wright's departure, said: "I was absolutely delighted to hear that Justin Welby is to be the new Bishop of Durham.

"Justin has always had a deep interest in and concern for the communities in which he has worked and I know that he will bring that to the North-East.

"I know too that he has a deep passion for helping churches to grow and make a real difference to the lives of individuals and communities and that will be a real help to us in the churches in the Diocese of Durham.

"Justin and I worked together some years ago at Coventry Cathedral and I am very much looking forward to working with him again."

The new bishop designate's itinerary today included meeting the media at a community project at St Chad's parish in Bensham, Gateshead, a photocall at Durham Cathedral, a visit to St Aidan's Church of England Academy, in

Hundens Lane, Darlington, and a visit to one of the last surviving so-called 'tin tabernacles', St Mary's Mission Church, in Woodland Village, in Teesdale.

Details of his installation as bishop will be announced at a later date.