A NEW Archdeacon for Bolton has been named to succeed the Venerable Lorys Davies.

Mr Davies, aged 65, retires at the end of the year and his position will be filled by the current Area Dean of Salford, the Rev Dr John Applegate.

He has been appointed by the Bishop of Manchester, the Rt Rev Christopher Mayfield and will take up the post at the end of April after taking a three month sabbatical.

Dr Applegate, aged 45, who has a PhD in the Old Testament, has spent most of his ministry in the Broughton area.

He was appointed rector of St John the Evangelist, Broughton in 1994 and team rector of the Broughton Team Ministry two years later.

Bristol born Dr Applegate became a Christian shortly before starting a degree in Chemistry at Bristol University.

He worked as a chemist for a short while before going back to theological college and then taking up a post as curate in the deprived area of Collyhurst.

Dr Applegate is married to civil servant Penny and the couple have sons Richard, aged 15 and David, aged 10.

He has been Area Dean of Salford for the last four years and works as a part time lecturer in biblical studies at Manchester University.

Other interests include walking, bird watching, attending concerts and photography.

Community involvement has been a large part of his work in Salford and has included setting up a company to help with urban regeneration.

Dr Applegate says he is looking forward to getting to know Bolton better in the coming months.