|PIC1|The man in charge of one of the country's best loved landmarks and the cradle of Christianity in Wales was today elected as the new Bishop of St Davids.

The Dean of St Davids Cathedral, the Very Reverend John Wyn Evans, was elected as the 128th bishop of the diocese by the Electoral College of the Church in Wales, at a "lock in" meeting at the cathedral on Monday.

The election took place following the resignation of the former bishop, Rt Rev Carl Cooper in May amid speculation of an improper relationship with his chaplain.

Rev Evans, 61, has served as Dean for the past 14 years, during which time he was the driving force behind the £10m cathedral restoration project, which included the acclaimed rebuilding and expansion of the historic cloisters area that has secured the future of the building for generations to come.

He said he was stunned but honoured to have been elected bishop of the diocese in which he has served since his ordination. He said, "We are fortunate that Bishop Carl gave the diocese a sense of purpose and direction which I look forward to continuing."

The Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Morgan, said, "I am delighted with the result of this election. It is obvious that Wyn has enormous support both within and without the diocese. He is a safe pair of hands and also a man who can move the diocese forward and continue its good work."

Evans, 61, grew up in Aberystwyth, the son of the vicar of Aberystwyth Efion Evans. He was educated at Ardwyn Grammar School, Aberystwyth, then studied archaeology at the University of Wales, Cardiff. He trained for the priesthood at St Michael's College, Llandaff 1968-71 and has served all his ministry in the Diocese of St Davids.

Ordained as a priest in 1972, Wyn served as a minor canon at St Davids Cathedral from 1972-75.

A keen historian, the Dean is an honorary fellow of the University of Wales, Lampeter, and a leading expert on the lives of the early Welsh saints and St Davids Cathedral. He has recently edited a book, titled 'St David of Wales - Cult, Church and Nation'.

He is married to Diane, a professional potter in St Davids.