THE Rev Canon Tony Wilds has been named the new Archdeacon of Plymouth.

Canon Wilds, 57, is currently team rector of Solihull in the diocese of Birmingham. He is married to Mary and has three grown-up daughters: Deborah, Rachel and Elizabeth. He is expected to start work here in the spring.

Canon Wilds takes over following the retirement of the Ven Robin Ellis in April.

The archdeaconry includes all of Plymouth, Ivybridge and Ugborough. It stretches as far as Lifton and Broadwoodwidger and includes Tavistock.

When collated, Canon Wilds will be known as the Venerable Tony Wilds and will share responsibility with the diocesan and suffragan bishops for the care of parishes and ministers. He will also perform much of the ecclesiastical legal work in his area.

Canon Wilds said he was excited at the prospect of coming south.

'We live indeed in challenging times for the Church of England, but I find everywhere there are faithful and devoted priests and people meeting those challenges, and I look forward to playing my part in supporting and encouraging them,' he said.