THE diocese of Chelmsford, which includes Redbridge, welcomed its new bishop during a ceremony on Saturday.

Rt Rev John Gladwin, former Bishop of Guildford, was installed as the new Bishop of Chelmsford at Chelmsford Cathedral.

Bishop Gladwin now takes over the second largest diocese in the Church of England, which covers five East London boroughs and Essex, with more than 600 churches and 500 clergy.

There was a break with tradition in the ceremony.

When the bishop arrived with his wife Lydia, he was escorted into the cathedral by a large group of children and was received by the dean, the Very Rev Peter Judd.

This welcome replaced the traditional entry of a bishop knocking on the west door with his crosier.

Following the ceremony, there was a reception for the guests with a jazz band.

There were 25 mayors from East London and Essex at the ceremony along with other dignitaries including the Lord Lieutenant of Essex, the Lord Petre.

Bishop Gladwin will continue as chairman of the board of Christian Aid and as a member of the House of Lords and the Archbishops' Council.

He will also stay as chairman of the Ministry Division of the Church of England and keep up his beekeeping hobby.