PHILIP Dunne MP has welcomed the appointment of the Rt Rev Richard Frith as the 105th Bishop of Hereford.?

The Bishop’s first duties on the day of his appointment included visiting Bishop Hooper Church of England School, near Ludlow, and a local Shropshire farmer on the Clee Hill.

“I congratulate The Rt Rev Richard Frith on his new appointment as Bishop of Hereford,” said Mr Dunne.

“The Hereford diocese encompasses all of south Shropshire, as well as Herefordshire, and I am sure that Bishop Richard will do an excellent job leading the Anglican community in our area.”

“I am especially pleased that the new bishop chose to visit Bishop Hooper Church of England School in Ashford Carbonel as his first act, highlighting both the importance of Shropshire to the diocese and the church’s vital role in education today.”