The Bishop of Durham has announced he will retire in April 2003.

The Right Reverend Michael Turnbull plans to move to Kent with his wife Brenda to spend more time with their family.

For the last four years he has been chairman of the North East Constitutional Assembly, trying to draw up plans for an elected regional assembly.

The Bishop of Durham is the fourth most senior Bishop in the Church of England and carries an automatic place in the House of Lords.

'Much work'

Bishop Michael, who will be 67 in December, began his ministry as a deacon in 1960 in Middleton, Manchester.

He was ordained as a bishop in 1988 and has served as Bishop of Durham for almost nine years.

The bishop does not plan to put his feet up over the winter. He said: "We in the diocese have much work to do together, especially this autumn.

"I am looking forward to visiting every deanery and building on our understanding of the church and its mission."

Bishop Michael and his wife Brenda are looking forward to being closer to their three children and seven grandchildren in the south of England.

Bishop Michael will continue preaching and teaching and writing in his retirement, as well as indulging in his favourite pastimes of walking and cricket.

He will also remain a supporter of Sunderland AFC football club.