The next Bishop of Thetford will be ordained at Westminster Abbey on Friday.

The ceremony will be followed by a service of welcome for the Ven Ian Bishop, currently Archdeacon of Macclesfield, and his wife Sue at Norwich Cathedral on Saturday.

The Ven Ian Bishop said: "I want to be a pastoral bishop who comes among the people of Norfolk and Waveney with kindness and love, and an ability to listen well. am looking forward to being amongst you very much, we have very many happy memories."

READ MORE: Ian Bishop named new Bishop of Thetford 

The Rt Revd Graham Usher, the Bishop of Norwich said: "Ian Bishop has a pastor’s heart and an evangelist’s passion which I am sure will contribute greatly to our life together under God in the diocese."

Ven Ian Bishop has previously served as vicar of Tasburgh, Tharston, Saxlingham Nethergate, Shotesham, Newton Flotman and Swainsthorpe in the Diocese of Norwich.

He succeeds The Rt Revd Alan Winton, who retired in April.