THE vicar of Selby Abbey has been appointed dean of the country's oldest cathedral.

The Reverend Prebendary Keith Jukes, 52, and his wife, the Rev Susanne Jukes, were welcomed to the Cathedral Church of St Peter and St Wilfrid by the Bishop of Ripon and Leeds, the Right Rev John Packer.

Prebendary Jukes graduated from Leeds University, before training for the ministry at Lincoln Theological College.

He has worked at Selby Abbey, in the York Diocese, since 1997, first as priest-in-charge and later as vicar.

Prebendary Jukes said he was privileged to be appointed to the role.

He said: "I am delighted to accept the invitation to be the next Dean of Ripon.

"At a time when there is a renewed interest in spirituality, our cathedrals are important places of pilgrimage, worship and encounter."

He added: "Susanne and I look forward to moving to Ripon, making new friends and playing a full part in the life of the city."

His appointment follows the resignation of the former Dean, the Very Rev John Methuen.

He agreed to step down after church charges of "conduct unbecoming" were dropped last year.

Bishop Packer said: "I am delighted Keith Jukes has accepted the invitation to become the Dean of Ripon.

He has enhanced and revitalised the ministry of Selby Abbey and overseen extensive restoration work there.

"He has also had a strong civic presence within the town.

"He is exactly the sort of person to provide leadership for our cathedral and to develop the relationship between the cathedral and city."