THE new Archdeacon of Bolton has been appointed by the Bishop of Manchester.

Canon Jean Burgess, aged 55, has officially taken up the role and will take up her new post in the week before Easter next year.

She replaces The Ven David Bailey, who retired this month after taking up the post in 2008.

Jean Burgess said: "I am thrilled to have been appointed Archdeacon of Bolton and I look forward to working together with the people of Manchester Diocese to enable us to embody the vision of becoming a worshipping, growing and transforming Christian presence at the heart of every community."

She began her ordained ministry in the Diocese of Derby when she became assistant curate at St George and St Mary, Gresley, in 2003.

In 2008 she was appointed Assistant Curate at St Alkmund and St Werburgh in Derby. She has been Priest-in-Charge there since 2013, when she also became Dean of Women's Ministry.

Mrs Burgess is currently the honorary canon of Derby Cathedral and was appointed assistant Archdeacon of Derby earlier this year.

She is married to Graham and has three grown up children, Emily, Charlotte and Joseph, and one grandchild Alice.

The Bishop of Bolton, the Rev Mark Ashcroft, said: "I am delighted that Canon Jean Burgess is going to join our team as Archdeacon of Bolton. She is passionate about the mission of the church and brings a wealth of experience of helping churches grow and thrive. Her unique and special gifts will be a great asset to the Archdeaconry of Bolton and to the wider diocese."