The Revd Canon Paul Ayers has been appointed as the new Archdeacon of Leeds. He will succeed the Venerable Paul Hooper who retires at the end of October.
Paul is currently Vicar of St Lawrence and St Paul’s Church in Pudsey, where he has been since 1997.
He was born and brought up in Bradford and after training in Oxford and Bristol, he served in parishes in the former Diocese of Bradford.
The Rt Revd Paul Slater, Bishop of Richmond (who looks after the Episcopal Area of Leeds), says, "I am really pleased that Paul Ayers has been appointed as the next Archdeacon of Leeds. Paul has an incisive mind and a passion to see God's church grow and flourish. I am looking forward to working with him."
It's expected that Paul will take up his new post in February.