The Bishop of Hereford has announced he is to retire from his post later this year. 

Bishop Anthony Priddis told delegates at the Diocesan Synod over the weekend of his intention to leave in September.

The Diocese of Hereford covers both Ludlow and Tenbury, as well as south Shropshire.

Bishop Anthony has been in the post for nine years and says that before the recent vote on women bishops he had planned to stay long enough for the possibility of a female being appointed after him.

“In many ways I would be happy to stay,” he said.

"But I think it’s a bit like a party, you should leave while you are still enjoying it. It has been a huge privilege to serve the people of the diocese, and to be able to do so with such excellent clergy, lay leaders and colleagues."

The Bishop’s last day in office will be September 24th, the 41st anniversary of his ordination as Deacon and the day after the 40th anniversary of becoming a Priest. A service of farewell is being planned for Hereford Cathedral on September 7.