A new Archdeacon of Norfolk has been appointed by the Bishop of Norwich the Rt Rev Graham James.

Canon Steven Betts, 47, will succeed the Ven David Hayden who will be retiring at the end of next month.

Bishop Graham said: 'Canon Betts is one of the most respected and widely known clergy in the diocese and I'm delighted he has accepted my invitation to be the next Archdeacon of Norfolk.'

Canon Betts came to the Norfolk diocese to be chaplain to Peter Nott, former Bishop of Norwich, in 1994 and was a 'well-loved' vicar in Old Catton for eight years from 1997, according to Bishop Graham.

Since then he has had responsibility for all candidates for ordination in the Diocese and for the training of newly ordained clergy, as well as serving as an elected member of General Synod and as Chair of the House of Clergy in this diocese.

Canon Betts said: 'The Archdeaconry covers the east and south of the Diocese and has some talented clergy and committed lay people, and I look forward to supporting them in their mission and ministry to serve their local communities.'

He will be collated and installed as Archdeacon of Norfolk in Norwich Cathedral on Sunday, April 29 at 3.30pm.

Canon Betts will be one of three Archdeacons in the Diocese of Norwich, which covers Norwich and Waveney.

He will join the Ven John Ashe, the Archdeacon of Lynn, and the Ven Jan McFarlane, the Archdeacon of Norwich.

Archdeacons of Norfolk can be traced back to 1127 and are senior priests who have a responsibility for the legal and administrative aspects of the diocese.