THE next Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham was presented on a double-decker bus in Old Market Square.

The Rt Revd Paul Butler, 53, currently the Bishop of Southampton, said he hoped to reach out to communities in the city and county.

Bishop Paul, who said he had grown to love Notts after studies at the University of Nottingham and work here in the 1970s, said: "It's really good to be back and I look forward to being here in the city and around the villages."

He hopes to engage with people from all sections of the community.

He said: "The good news of Jesus Christ is transforming for both individuals and communities. I long to share in the task of making this good news known to people of all ages and backgrounds."

Bishop Paul, who traces his calling back to his time attending Christ Church, in Chilwell, is the first clergyman to be appointed to the dual role of Bishop of Nottingham and Southwell.

He replaces Rt Revd George Cassidy, due to retire next month, who was originally appointed as Bishop of Southwell. The post was renamed in 2005 to include Nottingham.

He said he would be considering how he would divide his time between now and when he takes up his new role early next year, but hoped to continue work done in the city by Bishop Cassidy.

Bishop Paul, married to Rosemary and father to four, is an advocate for children on behalf of Church of England bishops.

He said: "I intend to keep addressing national issues which the church is working on, as well as in the diocese."

Canon Ruth Worsley, area dean for Nottingham South, said the Bishop had been a strong candidate.

She said: "His interest in children's issues was a key thing as we needed to see more development with our work with children and young people."

She added his commitment to Christian work overseas had also been impressive.

Revd Canon Anthony Porter, Bishop of Sherwood, who will oversee the running of the diocese until Bishop Butler arrives, said: "People in the county said they wanted someone who was a caring person who was going to serve the city and the county.

"I've know Bishop Paul for a long time and he is right for the job."

After the announcement, the bishop-designate took a tour of his new diocese, stopping off at the Vine Centre in Hyson Green, St Peter's First School, in Mansfield, a farming family in East Markham and Southwell Minster.

The bus attracted curious passers-by in Old Market Square – Sheila Bayliss, 75, was out shopping with husband Frank.

She said: "It's a good idea so people will know who he is. The bus is eye-catching."

sarah.firth@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk