|PIC1|The Chapter of St Paul's has expressed its delight at the appointment of the Rt Rev Graeme Paul Knowles as the Dean of St Paul's Cathedral's.

The Diocese of London said that all at St Paul's Cathedral were greatly looking forward to his installation in the next few months.

Currently the Bishop of Sodor and Man, Bishop Knowles comes to St Paul's with a wealth of cathedral experience, having served as Precentor of Portsmouth Cathedral 1981-87, Archdeacon of Portsmouth 1993-99 and Dean of Carlisle 1999-2003.

Bishop Knowles enters what is described as a "thriving and vibrant cathedral" approaching its 300th anniversary, the Diocese of London said.

"I am delighted to be appointed Dean of this wonderful and historic Cathedral. It is a place of living worship and witness at a Diocesan local and a national level," said Bishop Knowles.

"I look forward to becoming part of a chapter whose superb work touches the lives of so many, in particular the efforts of the St Paul's Institute in all of its outreach endeavours."

The Bishop of London, Dr Richard Chartres, said: "I was delighted to hear of Bishop Graeme's appointment, which I know comes as a result of close consultation between Number 10, the City and St Paul's Cathedral.

"He knows cathedrals well and brings with him an extraordinary range of experience, from being vicar of a tough, inner-city parish through to his role as Bishop of Sodor and Man. There can be few people with such a rich and varied background and I very much look forward to working with him."