Downing Street has confirmed the appointment of Rt Rev Debbie Sellin as the next bishop of Peterborough.

"I'm really attracted to the diversity of the diocese. I want every parish to thrive in the way that God is calling them to, and if I'm able to help parishes in that, that is something I'm very committed to,” Bishop Debbie said as she reacted to her appointment.

She will become the first-ever female bishop of Peterborough, covering the city as well as Northamptonshire and Rutland.

Originally from Scotland, Bishop Debbie was ordained in the Guildford Diocese in 2008, following a first career in NHS Management and then working as the Family and Children’s Worker for her church while she had a young family.

She became an area dean in 2015, before she became the bishop of Southampton, a suffragan or assistant bishop post, in 2019 where she currently serves.

She is married to a professor of physics and has two grown-up sons.

The Right Reverend John Holbrook, Acting Bishop of Peterborough, said: "I am thrilled that Debbie has agreed to serve as the next Bishop of Peterborough.

"She has great experience of bringing unity and identity to a large and diverse diocese and a mission to see our parishes and their communities thrive."