ONE of the district’s leading clergymen is preparing to travel west along Hadrian’s Wall to take up a new post in Carlisle.

The Rev. Dr. Benjamin Carter, Vicar of Haydon Bridge and Beltingham with Henshaw, has been appointed Canon Warden at Carlisle Cathedral.

Dr Carter, who has also served as assistant archdeacon within the Diocese of Newcastle, will be installed in the coming weeks.

He will lead on the arts and cultural outreach at the cathedral, which has recently undergone a substantial refurbishment.

Dr Carter will also be a key member of the clergy team, alongside the Dean of Carlisle, and the Canon Missioner.

The Dean of Carlisle, the Very Reverend Mark Boyling, said: “I am delighted to be welcoming to the Chapter someone who has a lively sense of the missionary potential of a cathedral and who will have much to contribute to our ministry and outreach.

“I look forward to working with Benjamin very much.”

Born and bred in Lancashire, Dr Carter arrived at St. Cuthbert’s Church in Haydon Bridge from St. Mary’s in Monkseaton, where he had served as curate for five years.

Speaking of his new appointment, Dr Carter said it was a great opportunity to become part of the cathedral community and wider diocese.

However, he said he had thoroughly enjoyed his time in the Tyne Valley, and was proud of what had been achieved within the Benefice of Haydon Bridge and Beltingham with Henshaw, known as the Parishes by the Wall.

“It has been wonderful to work here with our great team of dedicated volunteers,” said Dr Carter.

“Over the past six years we’ve been able to develop good partnerships in the community with schools, a wide range of community organisations, and Northumberland National Park. The local churches have worked together here and I think there’s a lot to build on moving forward.”

Rev Carter said highlights included developing Sunday school and messy church, and making Sunday services more family focused.

He also developed the successful God’s Tent programme in conjunction with local schools.