The Bishop of Bristol has served her final week in the role, after seven years of ministry.

Rt Rev Vivienne ‘Viv’ Faull was the first woman elected to the position, when she became Bishop of Bristol in 2018.

A farewell service is being held at Bristol Cathedral, where she will hand the ceremonial staff to the diocese’s Vice Dean, marking the end of her tenure.

The Dean of Bristol, Very Rev Dr Mandy Ford, said Faull has been "an inspiration to women in the ministry since the 1980s".

Whilst sitting in the House of Lords, Viv focused her attention on opposing modern slavery, and condemned Israel’s action in Gaza.

Earlier this year, Bishop Viv announced her decision to retire, saying: "I will leave this generous, creative, brave and open diocese with deep gratitude for all that, in the power of the Holy Spirit, we have learnt and transformed together."

She said it was an honour to serve in the diocese where her mother, “a great campaigner for the ordination of women,” was born and baptised.

The role will now stand vacant, with the Bishop of Swindon, Rt Rev Neil Warwick, stepping in as diocesan bishop until a successor is chosen.