THE Bishop of Exeter, the Rt Revd Michael Langrish has announced that the new Bishop of Crediton will be the Reverend Prebendary Nick McKinnel, (58).

Nick was welcomed at the Boniface Centre, Crediton on October 2, by clergy and parishioners and will take over from the Rt Revd Bob Evens, who retires this month.

Most of Nick's life has been spent as a priest in Devon and he has been the Rector of the Minster Church of St Andrew in Plymouth since 1994.

He spent the previous seven years in a rural part of Exeter Diocese as the Rector of Hatherleigh, Meeth, Exbourne and Jacobstowe.

Having grown up in Bradninch, Mr McKinnel went on to study law at Cambridge and then worked for the development agency, Tear Fund.

He served a curacy in Hammersmith, London, after his ordination and later became the Anglican Chaplain to Liverpool University.

The Bishop of Exeter, explained: "Nick has had a distinguished ministry in this diocese already, most recently as Team Rector of St Andrew's Plymouth, which recently became Plymouth Minster under his leadership.

"Nick will now be able to bring his wide knowledge of Devon to bear on this larger scale.

"He is a team player of enormous integrity and warmth who will enjoy getting alongside people in their lives and ministry and share God's love with all those whom he meets."

Crediton Town Mayor, Cllr Frank Letch explained: "It is not often a mayor has the opportunity to welcome two Bishops!

"On behalf of the people of Crediton we hope to see our new Bishop on the High Street and at events on the Town Square."

The Rev Preb Nigel Guthrie also welcomed Nick to Crediton saying that he hoped he would always feel at home in Crediton.

Mr McKinnel explained: "I am delighted to be taking on this new role and to follow the ministry of Bishop Bob Evens.

"I especially look forward to getting to know the clergy and congregations in this part of the diocese.

"The church has so much to contribute to the life of a community, and I shall enjoy playing my part in supporting that mission.

"I am very grateful to God and to those who have put their trust in me."

He also said that he was looking forward to working with Bishop John and Bishop Michael and is happy to be allowed in the parishes as he feels that this is where the church makes a real difference.

Nick is married to Jan, who worked as a health visitor in Plymouth and the couple have four children.

In his spare time he enjoys walking, the theatre and sport, being a keen cricketer.

Rev Preb Nick McKinnel will be consecrated as a Bishop in Southwark Cathedral, London in November and will be living in Tiverton.

Nora Parminter