Christine Hardman, 64, has today been announced as the next Bishop of Newcastle, making her the seventh woman to take up the position of bishop since legislation was passed last year.

Ven Christine Elizabeth Hardman, who currently works in Southwark, will replace Rt Rev Martin Wharton, who retired last November. She is likely to become the second woman bishop to sit in the House of Lords.

In a statement following Downing Street's announcement today, Hardman said: "I don't really have the words to express my excitement at coming to this vibrant, warm and proud part of the world.

"From my own faith journey I know the key significance of warm, lively, welcoming church communities with worship that transforms us and sends us out into the world – bringing the depth of Christian hope to places where hope is thin on the ground."

She expressed a belief that Christians should work towards the flourishing of local communities, not just the Church. "As Bishop of Newcastle I will take every opportunity to engage in the public square and especially to speak on behalf of those whose voices are not heard," she promised.

"It will be such a privilege to be your Bishop and to lead you on the next stage of the journey. In all of this I will be relying on God's grace and your prayers."

Hardman was ordained in 1994 and has a special interest in mission studies and the social implications of the gospel. She is married to Roger, with whom she has two daughters and four grandchildren. Her interests include cycling, running, theatre and cinema.

Rt Rev Frank White, Assistant Bishop of Newcastle, has welcomed her appointment. His wife, the Rt Rev Alison White, was consecrated as the Bishop of Hull in July. "This is such a good moment to welcome Christine Hardman to be our new Bishop and I look forward with eager anticipation to serving alongside her," Mr White said.

"Her wide interests and experience and her desire to encounter and learn from the spirituality of this region offer us all real opportunities for growth.

"Christine's gift for the intelligent engagement of the good news of Jesus Christ with the challenges of our times dovetails wonderfully with the vision of this diocese."

Rt Rev Christopher Chessun, Bishop of Southwark, added that Hardman would bring "great wisdom and experience to the role".

"She will lead the people of Newcastle with prayerfulness, energy and grace," he said.

"We have been privileged to experience her ministry here in Southwark over years and I am sure that the Diocese of Newcastle will benefit hugely from her Episcopal ministry.

"She and Roger go to this exciting new role with my prayers and those of the people of Southwark."

The date of Hardman's consecration has not yet been announced.