THE Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle has announced his resignation, saying the role had become "too great a burden".

The Right Reverend Robert Byrne took on the post in 2019.

In a letter to worshippers, he said: "For some time now I have been discerning my future and after much prayer and reflection, it is with a heavy heart that I now find the office of the Diocesan Bishop has become too great a burden and feel I can no longer serve the people of the Diocese in the way I would wish.

"My sincere thanks go to the Holy Father for considering and accepting my resignation as Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle."

He added: "Since my installation as Bishop, I have been grateful for the welcome and support of so many clergy and laity across the Diocese.

"I now intend to seek new ways to exercise my episcopal ministry to as full an extent as I can and for as long as I am able, and in this, I ask for your prayers for me, as I continue to remember you in mine."

Bishop Byrne is set to return to his Oratorian Community in Oxford.

Archbishop of Liverpool Malcolm McMahon will oversee the diocese until Pope Francis appoints a new bishop.