The 60-year-old has been the Bishop of Wakefield in Yorkshire since 1992.

He will take up his new job when the Rt Rev Christopher Mayfield retires in September.

Downing Street announced on Monday that the post had been approved by the Queen.

City's 'friendliness'

Bishop McCulloch, who is Lord High Almoner to the Queen, grew up in Crosby, Merseyside.

He said: "I'm thrilled, as a native of the North West, to be coming back. I'm delighted that it's at such a time as this - a time of unparalled confidence in the city and the region.

"The Commonwealth Games brought with it a recognition of Manchester's new beauty as a city and an admiration for its people and their spirit of service and friendliness."

Bishop McCulloch, who is married with two daughters, studied theology at Selwyn College, Cambridge.

He served as curate in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire from 1966 to 1970, before becoming chaplain and director of theological studies at Christ's College, Cambridge.

Bishop McCulloch then worked in Norwich, Salisbury and Taunton, before taking up his current post.