Bradford Diocese's new second in command today revealed he is looking towards a bright future, working in what he describes as a "wonderfully refreshing city".

The Reverend Dr Christopher Hancock, pictured, has been appointed as the Dean of Bradford, one of the Diocese's most important roles.

Dr Hancock, 48, has also been appointed vicar of the Parish of St Peter in Bradford.

At a civic lunch at City Hall to mark his installation as Dean - attended by some of the city's leading dignitaries, including the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Richard Wightman, and his wife, Elizabeth, the Lady Mayoress - Dr Hancock spoke positively about the city's cathedral and the important role it plays in the city.

Dr Hancock, who has moved into a house in the cathedral grounds with wife Suzie, also said he is relishing his dual role in the Diocese.

"So far we are enjoying our start in the city very much," he said, "Bradford is a fascinating place which is full of opportunities.

"The role of a dynamic cathedral is to get it to be a dynamic place for Christian worship but also to attract people of different faiths and perhaps no faiths at all to walk through the doors.

"It is a meeting place for people of many different traditions and interests. It is also a place that works to provide the best gifts for the community and to help towards urban renewal.

"I am looking forward to my time in the post and I think it will be a major part of my life."

An accomplished academic and musician, the Oxford graduate was music director at St Nicholas's Church in Durham, under the previous Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr George Carey - then a vicar - from 1978 to 1980.

His career has included a six-year spell as Professor of Theology at Virginia Theological Seminary in America.

Dr Hancock's son, 22-year-old David, recently graduated from Oxford, and his daughter Charlotte, 19, is currently on a gap year after completing her A Levels.

A keen sportsman, Dr Hancock has already joined Heaton Squash and Tennis Club and is also hoping to join a Bradford golf club.

With the city's 2008 Capital of Culture bid up and running, Dr Hancock said he is looking forward to backing the bid.

"Bradford Cathedral is very much a part of the Capital of Culture bid and the ongoing work of the cathedral helps bring life and light to the city.

"Bradford is a wonderfully refreshing city and people enjoy visiting. But it is also a complex place and it will take a measure of my humility to fully understand how it works but that is what I aim to do."