New Bishop of Norwich announced

Downing Street has announced the 72nd Bishop of Norwich to succeed the Rt Rev Graham James.

The Rt Rev Graham Usher has said it is an "honour" to be nominated after being named.

Following the announcement, Bishop Graham, 48, will visit a number of locations within the diocese this afternoon, including a housing trust and primary school garden.

A special Evensong will then take place in Norwich Cathedral at 5.30pm for all to attend this evening.

He is currently the Bishop of Dudley following a stint as the Rector of Hexham in Northumberland.

Bishop Graham has also spent time living and working in Ghana.

On his appointment, he said: "t’s a great honour and somewhat daunting to be nominated as Bishop of Norwich.

"I’m excited to have been called to serve among the people of Norfolk and Waveney as together we seek to live out Jesus Christ’s call to love God and our neighbours.

"I see the role of a bishop as encouraging others to live out their faith in Jesus Christ with a generosity of spirit and compassion, bringing people together to serve their neighbours in partnership with others.”

Bishop Graham will be formally enthroned as Bishop of Norwich at Norwich Cathedral in late autumn.

The date and time of the service will be released in due course.

The Diocese of Norwich believe Bishop Graham is "probably" the youngest Diocesan Bishop within the Church of England.

However, they are "getting clarification" on this to confirm "very soon."

The Dean of Norwich, the Very Revd Jane Hedges said: “On behalf of the whole Cathedral community I am delighted to hear of the appointment of our new Bishop and we very much look forward to getting to know him and his family and to working with him.

"We hope he will feel very welcome here in the Diocese of Norwich.”