The Rev Canon Martin Clive Warner MA, Canon Treasurer of St Paul's Cathedral, has been appointed by the Queen as the Suffragan Bishop of Whitby.

He is following in the footsteps of the Rt Rev Robert Ladds who left on 31 December last year to take up a new position in North London.

Canon Warner (51) said: "I am excited and awed at the prospect of moving to Teesside to be the Bishop of Whitby.

"I look forward to being part of the Archbishop's team in the Diocese of York, and to working with men and women of this Archdeaconry.

"This is one of the most varied and beautiful parts of Britain. It has everything – stunning countryside, a spectacular coastline and the potential and challenge of a stimulating conurbation on Teesside."

The Archbishop of York, the Most Rev Dr John Sentamu, added: "I am delighted Canon Warner has been appointed the new Bishop of Whitby.

"He is a man of great faith and integrity who has a real heart for serving the community."