By Kelly Eve

Last updated 13:13, Monday, 06 October 2008

The popular parish priest of Carlisle’s city centre has been appointed Archdeacon of West Cumberland.

New archdeacon: the Rev Canon Dr Richard Pratt

The Bishop of Carlisle has appointed the Rev Canon Dr Richard Pratt, at St Cuthbert’s with St Mary, as Archdeacon of West Cumberland.

Richard, 52, has been at St Cuthbert’s for 11 years and is a familiar figure across the city.

He serves as chaplain to the city council and has close links with schools across the city, particularly James Rennie. He was also chair of governors of the former North Cumbria Technology College in Harraby.

His last Sunday at St Cuthbert’s will be January 4 before he is licensed to his new responsibilities on January 20 at St John’s Church, in Hensingham, Whitehaven.

Richard, who is married to Diane, a teacher at Hallbankgate School, will also continue his role as communications officer for the Carlisle Diocese until a replacement is appointed.

The appointment of Richard, a father of three, to the Archdeacon’s role comes at a time of great change among the leaders of the Carlisle Diocese.

The Bishop of Carlisle, the Rt Rev Graham Dow, retires next April.

It was also recently announced that the Rev Prebendary Kevin Roberts will become Archdeacon of Carlisle and Canon Residentiary of Carlisle Cathedral next January following Dr David Thomson’s appointment this summer as Bishop of Huntington.

Of his latest appointment, Bishop Graham said: “His experience and knowledge of the Diocese will be important at this time of change, his pastoral skills and hopefulness will be appreciated in West Cumbria, and his energy and vision will support parishes as they work for growth.”

Dr Pratt said: “It will be very sad to leave St Cuthbert’s. We’ve had a lot of fun here but on the other hand what is happening is very exciting.

“I will really miss everyone at James Rennie, they’ve always held their Christmas concerts here and they are very close to my heart. They are special.

“I will also miss the Royal British Legion, the city council as well as Ascension Day here.”

A public meeting will be held in St Cuthbert’s Church, Carlisle, on November 12 to discuss the appointment of a new Bishop of Carlisle.