Bradford's new Bishop is to launch the New Year with a pilgrimage - and aims to meet many of his flock.

Bishop David James, pictured, will be wearing down his favourite walking boots in the days leading up to his official "welcoming service" on Saturday, January 4.

His stroll will take him along canals and rivers, across moors, through towns and many different parishes.

"I love walking and I would rather pray while walking than when sitting or kneeling or standing still," said Bishop David.

While many people are recovering from New Year's Eve excesses, the Bishop will rise before dawn on New Year's Day in time for morning prayers at Holy Trinity Church in Skipton.

"Bradford is a very diverse diocese," he said. "I wish I could have walked through every parish all the way down from Sedbergh or Dent.

"But I hope a three day walk can give expression to my being Bishop of the whole diocese with a concern for every parish and every person.

"I shall be delighted if people can join me along the way, and I look forward to chatting with those who would like to walk with me. We are going on a journey together with God and my prayer is that as we draw closer to each other, we will draw closer to Him".

His journey will take him to Bolton Priory, Addingham and Ben Rhydding, with refreshments in the Oasis Caf in Ilkley. On the second day, he will call at Ilkley and trek over the moors to Riddlesden, ending in Keighley, where his grandfather lived as a boy. There he will meet leaders of other faiths.

On Friday, a canalside walk will lead him to Bingley and Shipley, where he will spend the evening with young people.

The Reverend Peter Rugen said: "The Bishop will join the youth group Rock Solid for their regular night of table tennis, basketball and chat.

"We often have up to 60 coming, many of whom have no contact with church. In fact one young person is coming because he is expecting West Ham's goalkeeper David James." On Saturday, the bishop will hike through Bradford's city centre, beginning at Midland Terrace where his grandfather also lived, and ending at the cathedral.

Bishop David officially became the Bishop of Bradford at a ceremony in York Minster with the Archbishop of York, Dr David Hope, in November.

He was the first bishop to request a "service of welcome" instead of the more usual "enthronement" at Bradford Cathedral on Saturday, January 4 because he is uncomfortable with "regal connotations".

As a symbolic gesture of humility, he will wash the hands of representatives of the community.