THE BISHOP of Bolton had a day to remember yesterday as he was consecrated at a special service.

The Rt Rev Mark Ashcroft was blessed by the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu at York Minster.

He was announced as the new Bishop of Bolton in June after the retirement off the Rt Rev Chris Edmondson in June,

Bishop Mark, who has three children, served as the Archdeacon of Manchester and Residentiary Canon of Manchester Cathedral since 2009.

The 61-year-old said: “This is an exciting time for the Diocese of Manchester as we seek to be a transforming Christian presence in the communities we serve.

“I feel both awestruck and energised by the ministry that lies before me to share the good news of Jesus, and to encourage and lead the Church in being a blessing to our communities. I already know that I have wonderful colleagues to share this ministry with.”

During the ceremony, Bishop Mark was presented with a pastoral staff made by Eddie Mercelsanca in Gloucestershire.

The Gloucester Diocese sponsored Mark when he first considered becoming a priest.

The staff was a gift from Manchester Cathedral and Mark’s sister-in-law.

Bishop Mark wore a pectoral cross made of pewter which was significant because Mark and his family are members of the Worshipful Company of Pewterers.

The cross was specially made in Cornwall and was a gift from his mother.

The Bishop of Manchester, The Rt Rev Dr David Walker said: “I am delighted that Mark Ashcroft is to be the next Bishop of Bolton.

“Having worked with him as a colleague, I know that he has the requisite gifts and skills, and that this new role will give him a base from which to offer even more to God and the Church.”

The service was conducted by the Archbishop of York who also blessed The Rev Canon Mark Tanner as Bishop of Berwick in the Diocese of Newcastle.

Dr John Sentamu, said: “Mark has a great passion for mission and evangelism which he will continue to build on in his new ministry as Bishop of Bolton. He has a true heart for the poor and the marginalised and has lived this out throughout his ministry, both overseas and, here, in the Diocese of Manchester.”

Bishop Mark will be welcomed and installed at a ceremony in Manchester Cathedral on Saturday October 22 at 3pm.

He will take up his appointment as Bishop of Bolton at the end of November.