AS far as new jobs go it has to be one of the most difficult roles to take on in the Church of England.

But a church leader from Southampton is taking up a new post in the Middle East to work with communities in the predominantly Muslim region and its neighbouring countries.

The Rt Reverend Michael Lewis, pictured right, who grew up in Swaythling, is leaving his role as Bishop of Middleton to take up residence in the diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf.

As part of his duties he will be responsible for churches in Iraq where previous church leaders have had to leave the capital city Baghdad due to terrorist threats.

"Being the Bishop of Cyprus and the Gulf is a unique challenge," he said.

"It will be a fascinating and humbling ministry covering a part of world where the great questions of our day are focussed.

"It will combine caring for the many people who work in the gulf; those who are in vulnerable situations and those who value the presence of the church," he added.

The former King Edward VI School pupil was ordained as Bishop of Middleton in the diocese of Manchester eight years ago.

As a youngster he attended St Mary's Church with his family in Southampton, and was a member of the 26th Swaythling Scout group.

Working in ethnically-diverse areas of Manchester, the Bishop said he is looking forward to working with the different cultures and faiths in his new post.

"The role not only includes travelling to Christian communities, but also talking and getting to know the politics of the region," he said.

"I greatly look forward to carrying on my interest with other faiths, particularly Islam. I also look forward to working with the Eastern Orthodox Church."

The diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf is one of four dioceses in the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East, which stretches from Algeria to Iran and from Lebanon to the Horn of Africa.

Bishop Lewis is due to start his new role in mid-November when he moves to Nicosia in Cyprus.