The new Bishop of Bradford has pledged to represent people from all communities in the city.

The Right Reverend David James, pictured, takes over at Christmas from the Right Reverend David Smith, who retires at the end of this month after ten years.

Bishop James, who is currently Bishop of Pontefract, said: "It's my personal vision that I am here to serve not just the church but the whole of the diocese."

He emphasised that that included ethnic minorities and the rural communities.

He said that, though Bradford had its fair share of potential problems, he thought the church had made a lot of progress. But it was important the church still had a presence in predominantly Asian areas.

"We have common interests and I want to build partnerships," he said.

He spent time in Pakistan last year visiting Asian Christians in the Faisalabad area, and said this could help his understanding of the situation in Bradford.

"I was with the Christian minority in a Muslim majority. It informed me what it's like to be in a religious minority in another area," he said.

Bishop James, who is 57, said he was also backing the city's bid to be European Capital of Culture, bringing together the cultures of everyone who lives here. And another particular interest is in regeneration, having been involved in community projects in Pontefract.

He said: "There is money available if we can work together to access it and use it properly."

He said he was looking forward to coming to the city and the diocese at an exciting time, adding: "I am both excited and nervous. I am delighted I am still in Yorkshire. I shall miss Pontefract but I look forward to the challenge here."

He said Bishop Smith would be a hard act to follow, but he was a different person who would bring something different to the role.

And he revealed he has family ties to the city because his grandfather lived at Midland Terrace and in Keighley about 100 years ago.

Bishop James, who will live in the Bishop's house in Heaton, is married to Gillian, and the couple have have four daughters. In his spare time he enjoys keeping hens and is an armchair supporter of various sports.

But that is set to change as he has vowed go to some Bradford Bulls matches and to buy a season ticket for Bradford City.