Downing Street has announced Rt Rev Philip North as the next Bishop of Blackburn. He will succeed Rt Rev Julian Henderson following his retirement last year.

Rev Philip, who has been the bishop of Burnley since 2015, will take up the new role in May or June.

The 56-year-old said he is “delighted” to continue his work in Lancashire. He also set out his three priorities as the new bishop of Blackburn.

“There are three things for which I will be labouring tirelessly in the years to come. Firstly, I am committed to continuing the growth of the church in Lancashire, helping to build joyful Christian communities," he said.

“Secondly, I would love to see the Church of England in Lancashire being an ever-stronger voice for justice, especially for the poorest.

“And thirdly, I believe children and young people need to be at the very heart of all that we do. The current generation of young people is such an impressive one, with a real desire to build a better world. Yet at the same time I know that life is not always easy for them. There are such exciting opportunities for young people in Lancashire – we need to see more,” he said.

Bishop Philip was educated at the University of York and was ordained priest in 1993 in the Diocese of Durham.

Most Revd and Rt Hon Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, said: “[Bishop Philip] respects and understands the diversity of the diocese and is committed to growing a church where all can flourish both ordained and lay alike. As an evangelist, he will also strive to share the Christian faith with others. As a friend of the poor, he will be a voice for the most hard pressed and excluded in our society.”