THE Archbishop of York, Dr David Hope, has said he would turn down the Church of England's top job if he was offered it.

Dr Hope said he would prefer to end his career as he started it - as a parish priest.

The Yorkshire-born Primate, who many church insiders feel is the natural successor to the present Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr George Carey, made the shock comments during an interview on My Favourite Hymns - a Desert Island Discs-style TV programme.

He told the interviewer that being Archbishop of York was the best job in the Church of England and said he could see himself returning to work as a local priest in "about ten years" time.

The Archbishop's spokesman, Rob Marshall, said: "Dr Hope takes every opportunity to say how much he loves being Archbishop of York.

"He is highly thought of and is by far and away the most qualified person to succeed Dr Carey.

"But he has already been Bishop of London and is now extremely settled in the North.

"He is adamant that he wouldn't accept the Archbishop of Canterbury job."

But Mr Marshall said public comments were not taken into account during the selection process and Dr Hope would "certainly not be ruled out."

Dr Carey is expected to stand down as Britain's top clergyman by the end of next year.

Mr Marshall said Dr Hope would love to finish his career as a parish priest.

He said: "He enjoys being with people and the hustle and bustle of parish life."

A leading scholar on Anglican affairs, who would not be named, said: "Dr Hope is the best Archbishop of Canterbury we've never had.

"It would be a tragedy if he wasn't at Lambeth Palace."

The Queen makes the final decision on who becomes Archbishop of Canterbury following a recommendation by the Prime Minister and a panel of bishops, laity and clergy.

Updated: 10:12 Tuesday, September 25, 2001