Bishop of Grimsby holds farewell service at town's minster

The Bishop of Grimsby is holding his farewell service at the town's minster.

The Rt Reverend David Rossdale has retired after 12 years in the post with the Diocese of Lincoln.

The Bishop of Lincoln, the Rt Reverend Christopher Lowson, paid tribute to Mr Rossdale's "energy" and "excellent strategic leadership".

A spokesman for the diocese said a consultation process would take place on whether to appoint a new Bishop of Grimsby.

Mr Rossdale has held responsibility for appointments, pastoral care and development of clergy in the northern half of the diocese since June 2000.

'Rewarding journey'

He will continue as an assistant bishop in the diocese and will remain a canon of Lincoln Cathedral and a trustees of the St Lawrence Academy.

Mr Rossdale said: "It has been a wonderful 12 years during which I have learned much and I thoroughly enjoyed working alongside the priests and people in the north of the diocese.

"There have been many challenges and opportunities along the way and it has been a rewarding and often exciting journey."

Mr Rossdale will preside at the service which starts at Grimsby Minister at 14:30 GMT.