The Roman Catholic Diocese of Salford has, for the first time in its history, appointed a black man as one of its canons.  

On Wednesday, Father Michael Job along with Father Paul Daly and Father Michael Jones were made canons at Salford Cathedral, accompanied by their families and friends. 

Father Michael said he was "shocked" when the bishop told him about the appointment. 

"I was shocked when the bishop told me - gobsmacked," he said.

"I didn't know what to do."

The 47-year-old has been a parish priest St Mary's in Failsworth & Holy Family Limeside for several years. He was ordained 20 years ago in his home Ogun State in southwest Nigeria. 

He joined the Salford diocese in 2011. 

Father Michael becomes one of eleven canons who help the bishop govern the diocese as well as specifically praying for the bishop, priests and people of the diocese.

In a statement, the Diocese of Salford said: "We thank those canons who have recently stepped down from the chapter, and we pray that God gives our new canons the strength to fulfil their important 
mission in the Diocese of Salford."