A HAMPSHIRE vicar has been made bishop, after 16 years at a city church.

Rev Canon Geoff Annas, 56, of St Christopher's Church, Thornhill, is to be appointed the new Bishop of Stafford after nearly 16 years in Southampton.

The dad-of-two said: "It is a huge responsibility, a great privilege; but also it is really exciting because, although I don't know the area very much I'm looking forward to getting to know it and certainly getting to know all the people there - particularly the clergy but the communities as well.

"I hope I have something to offer and I'm looking forward to discovering it."

"I have to be honest and say I'm really quite astounded. I had always assumed I would stay in Southampton until I retired; but obviously God has other plans sometimes."

Having been approved by top clergymen, the prime minister and now the Queen he will take his post on June 25 when his predessor Right Reverend Alfred Gordon Mursell steps down.