The 53-year-old who is currently the Area Bishop of Buckingham, succeeds the Right Reverend Barry Rogerson who retired in November after more than 17 years in the position.

The father-of-five, who has been married for 30 years, will take up his appointment as the city's 55th bishop in the summer of 2003.

Bishop Hill said he and his wife were delighted his nomination had been approved.

Administering to the young has always been a priority to me The Right Reverend Michael Hill

"My wife and I are still slightly reeling from the shock that we have been asked to come and serve you here," he said.

"The Church faces some particular challenges at this point in its history and I'm keen that we face them realistically.

"I am a convert to the Christian faith and administering to the young has always been a priority to me."

Sports fan

Bishop Hill was educated at Wilmslow County Grammar School and the North West Cheshire College of Further Education.

He then went to the Christian ministry at Ridley and Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge in 1974.

A keen sports fan, he supports Manchester United, and also enjoy tennis, reading and walking his dog.

The new appointment was announced on Tuesday morning outside the @Bristol tourist attraction, next to the city's cathedral.