BOLTON'S new Anglican bishop is backing the town's bid to become a Millennium City and thinks it is only a matter of time before it happens.

It was announced this morning by the Prime Minister's Office that the Rev Canon David Gillett will succeed the Rt Rev David Bonser, who retires at the end of March.

Canon Gillett, currently a principal of Trinity College, Bristol - a Church of England theological college, will work as a Suffragan Bishop, assisting the Bishop of Manchester.

He will have particular responsibility for Bolton, Bury, Westhoughton and parts of Rossendale.

Canon Gillett, aged 54, is delighted at the prospect of coming to Bolton and returning to the North-west.

"I am very much looking forward to working with the parishes and clergy of the area", said Canon Gillett, who spent time in the 70s living in Chorlton, Manchester.

"I enjoyed my time in Manchester and it's good to be coming back up North."

When he takes up his post in July, Canon Gillett says he will be giving particular backing to the town's bid to become a city and Bolton Institute's drive to gain university status.

"I think the two go hand in hand," he said. "They are both something Bolton should achieve and something I can see happening very soon." Canon Gillett, who has worked in Northern Ireland, hopes to put to good use what he learnt when he taught Catholics and Protestants and build relationships within the local community.

"Bolton is very multi-cultural and especially has a large Muslim community," he said. "Inter-faith relationships are important and I hope to make contact with their leaders and forge relationships and understanding which will be great for the town."

Justice

He also believes it is very important to get youth involved with the church. "I want to improve the understanding between the Church and the younger generation," he added.

The consecration of the new Bishop of Bolton will take place at York Minster on June 29 before he moves to the town in July.

The Bishop of Manchester, the Rt Rev Christopher Mayfield, said: "Canon Gillett brings many special gifts to the Diocese. His understanding of contemporary spirituality and youth ministry, concern for racial justice and commitment to inter-faith dialogue will be of great benefit.

"We're very much looking forward to having him and his wife, Valerie, among us."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.