A NEW chief operating officer is part of an 'exciting time of change' at Hereford Cathedral.

Chris Milton also be the cathedral's chapter clerk when he takes on the new role on Monday, July 1.

Chris, who currently lives in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, comes from a background in commercial and operational management in a variety of industrial sectors. HE also has an MA in Modern and Medieval Languages and an MBA from Cranfield School of Management.

He has been a chorister, churchwarden and treasurer in Tardebigge parish, Worcestershire, for several years.

He said:"I am delighted to have the opportunity to join the Hereford Cathedral community and be involved in the preservation and development of such a valuable Christian heritage.

"The cathedral has some wonderful assets with very professional people working here, and I am very much looking forward to being part of its future."

The Very Revd. Michael Tavinor, Dean of Hereford also thanked existing staff for their hard work

"This is an exciting time of change at the cathedral and we would value the prayers of all as we announce and implement these changes," he said.

"I would also like to thank all our staff and volunteers for their constant, dedicated work - and for all the additional work and commitment that this period of change has inevitably involved."

Chris will take over from Glyn Morgan who has been Chief Executive and Chapter Clerk since July 2015.