THE Bishop of Bradwell will retire early next year after 18 years.

The Rt Rvd Dr Laurie Green is currently the longest serving bishop in one particular see, or bishop’s area.

Bishop Laurie was consecrated in February 1993, and has special care of social responsibility and development issues in the Diocese of Chelmsford, which includes Essex and East London.

He will retire on February 28 2011 and plans to move to Sussex.

Bishop Laurie said: “It seems strange to be nearing the end of my 18 years as Bishop in the diocese in which I was born and from which I was first sponsored to ordination some 40 years ago.

“I do, however, want to have time for my other interests and the national church already has some part-time work for me to do so I will keep active. But I know the time has come for me to move into retirement in Sussex and for the diocese to have a new and fresh area bishop to take the work and the mission forward in new ways.”

The new Bishop of Chelmsford, The Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell, added: “Bishop Laurie has been a fantastic servant of the Church. His love of the gospel and his passion for justice have inspired many.”

A farewell service will be held at Chelmsford Cathedral in January.