The new Bishop of Durham, the Very Reverend Justin Welby, was in the middle of unpacking when I met him for the first time this week.

I was invited to his house in Bishop Auckland ahead of today's formal consecration at York Minster and it's fair to say it was all a bit chaotic.

Like anyone else who's in the middle of moving house, there were cardboard boxes and packing cases everywhere.

But it was the informality of the father-of-five that I really liked. He found time for me despite having more than enough on his plate, having just moved from Merseyside, where he was Dean of Liverpool.

On first impressions, I think he will be a strong voice for the region. He immediately gives the impression of wanting to understand the region. He listens intently and is easy to talk to.

I warmly welcome him to the North-East and look forward to a positive relationship.

There is a report and picture from the consecration ceremony, as well as a profile of Bishop Welby, in tomorrow's Northern Echo.