BOLTON born and bred, the Rt Rev Dr Jill Duff, has been installed as the new Bishop of Lancaster.

The event, which took place at Blackburn Cathedral on Tuesday, was her official welcome to the Diocese following her Consecration service at York Minister days earlier.

Taking place on the same evening as England’s World Cup match, she included a soccer theme in her first sermon by calling on people to join God’s “winning team”.

Speaking passionately about her hopes for the county, Bishop Jill, a former pupil of Bolton School, said: “In the same way, as Lancashire has beacon sites across the hills, I’d love to see people who are beacons for Jesus across the county.”

She added: “I want everyone to hear about the Risen Lord in their ‘own language’, in a way they can understand from people they can relate to as their own. People who are fully alive with the Spirit because they are in love with Jesus are therefore able to speak naturally about Him in their churches, schools, colleges, workplaces, football clubs … everywhere!”

Many clergy and parishioners from across the county were in attendance for the service, alongside civic dignitaries and Bishop Jill’s friends and family.

Bishop Jill concluded her sermon by asking people to invite her to visit them so she can begin the process of finding out more about the Diocese.

“I’d particularly appreciate an invitation to come to the rural parts of the north of the Diocese. Once a month I’d love to walk through and pray for the different Deaneries with anyone who would like to join me.”

Speaking after the service, Bishop Jill, who used to work in the oil industry, said: “The evening has been wonderfully uplifting - a wonderful Lancashire welcome - and I’m now looking forward to everything God has in store for me.”

She added: “I would like to thank my family and friends for their support and everyone who has prayed me into this new role of Bishop of Lancaster.”