The Church of England's newest bishop, Dr Martin Warner, was given strong support by staff and pilgrims from the Anglican Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham when he was made the new Bishop of Whitby in York Minster this week.

The Church of England's newest bishop, Dr Martin Warner, was given strong support by staff and pilgrims from the Anglican Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham when he was made the new Bishop of Whitby in York Minster this week.

Father Warner, a former priest administrator of the National Shrine and now Master of the Guardians at Walsingham, was consecrated bishop by the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu.

Bishop Lindsay Urwin, the current administrator, was at the service and confirmed that there was a good show of people from Norfolk.

“There were a lot of pilgrims of course and quite a few staff members - both those still working there and those who worked with Father Martin when he has at Walsingham - have made the journey to York to support him. It's a very good Norfolk turn-out.”

Father Philip North, Bishop Urwin's predecessor as administrator, preached at the service.

“Your new bishop has clear focus and immense determination and will address the issues that matter,” Fr North told the congregation.

As Bishop of Whitby, Dr Warner will serve in the diocese of York with particular responsibility for the north east and Cleveland.