The Bishop of Plymouth, the Rt Rev Nicholas McKinnel, is to retire in August 2022.

Bishop Nick, who is married to Jan and has four children and nine grandchildren, will be 68 and has been Bishop of Plymouth since 2015.

He said: ’After 42 years of ordained ministry, now seems a good time to hand over my responsibilities and to have more time for the family and other interests.

’It has been a privilege to serve in this Diocese as a bishop for the last 10 years and I would like to thank my fellow clergy and everyone in our diocese for their support, prayers and friendship.’

The Bishop of Exeter, the Rt Rev Robert Atwell, said: ’Bishop Nick has been a superb colleague whose gentle wisdom and big pastoral heart have won him affection and respect across the county.

’He brings to his work his immense knowledge of people and places, his love of Devon and his faith in Christ.

’We wish him well in his retirement and we are glad that he is going to stay in Devon.’

Following his retirement, Bishop Nick has been nominated to be the High Sheriff of Devon in 2023.