THE new Bishop of Bradwell says getting to know the area and building bridges within the community are among his most immediate goals.

The Ven John Wraw, Archdeacon of Wiltshire, was named the new Bishop of Bradwell on Tuesday, having been nominated by the Queen.

He succeeds the Rt Rev Laurie Green, who retired in February after 18 years in the role of area bishop.

Ven John Wraw, who has also spent time in Yorkshire, admitted Rev Green’s shoes will be tough to fill, but insisted he was excited about the challenge.

He said: “It makes me feel just slightly apprehensive. He is a great guy and I hope I will get the chance to meet him.

“It’s great to be here. My first aspiration is just to settle here and get to know the place. I don’t know it at all.

“This is all very new to me. It’s lovely being on the coast. Wiltshire is a long way from the sea.”

The 52-year-old father of four added: “The first things I want to do is get to know Essex and build some roots. Then it’s getting to know the churches, the congregations and the clergy.

“It’s all about building bridges. That’s important in Essex because it’s very diverse.”

SEE THIS WEEK'S STANDARD FOR THE FULL STORY