A QUEST has been launched to find an imaginative cook and an experienced driver for the new Archbishop of York.

Would-be candidates have until October 21 to decide whether they have what it takes to chauffeur Dr John Sentamu, or come up with tantalizing dishes for him and his guests.

An effort to fill the two posts started in earnest yesterday with advertisements placed in the Evening Press.

The cook's post, commanding a salary of almost £19,000 after a trial period, would be at Bishopthorpe Palace, the primate's official residence.

The challenge for those who choose to accept it is to come up with "nutritional and imaginative menus" taking account of any special diets for guests and visitors to the palace.

The winning applicant will also be a team player who can budget and remain calm under pressure.

The role of driver and general duties officer is also up for grabs, and will require some weekend work and nights away from home.

Ugandan-born Dr John Sentamu's appointment was formally approved by the Queen in June. He is Britain's first black archbishop. He will become archbishop at a confirmation ceremony on October 5, led by the Archbishop of Canterbury and six senior bishops at St Mary-le-Bow church in London.

Currently Bishop of Birmingham, his official ministry in York and the North of England will not begin until November 30, when he is enthroned at York Minster.

He will spend the first year in his new role at a three-storey house in Main Street, Bishopthorpe, close to Bishopthorpe Palace.

Work being carried out at the palace, including an upgrade of fire protection and improvements to the heating and electrical systems, is expected to last most of next year. The private and public areas will also be separated.

Dr Sentamu who has two grown-up children will use his Main Street home as private accommodation for himself and his wife, Margaret, and will continue to work from an office at the palace.

The repairs will mainly affect the north wing, with the conference centre remaining open for business.

Dr Sentamu said: "I really like food and regard it as a gift from God and I think the variety and quality of food we have to enjoy speaks of the generosity of God. I love fresh, wholesome, tasty food and enjoy cooking very much.

"My cook will be catering for meetings and gatherings and I Iook forward to working closely with them to provide nourishing and tasty meals for anyone who comes to my table."

Updated: 11:03 Thursday, September 29, 2005