A former Supreme Court judge is set to chair the panel that will select a new Dean of Worcester.

The entire panel, which includes figures from church and public life, has been revealed.

Lord Anthony Hughes of Ombersley, a retired Supreme Court judge, will chair the team, offering his experience in public life to this process.

Joining him is the Bishop of Worcester, John Inge, the Dean of Canterbury Cathedral, David Monteith, Revd Canon David Nichol of the College of Canons, Harriet Chimani, a representative from the Bishop’s council, and Canon Dr David Bryer, a representative from the chapter.

Crown Ecclesiastical Secretary Hellen Dimmock MBE and appointments and vocations adviser David Wicksteed will also sit on the panel in a non-voting capacity.

The panel will convene in late January to agree the job specification.

Prior to this meeting, consultations will have been conducted with the larger Cathedral community and the Diocese.

Both the Cathedral chapter and the Bishop will create a document each, detailing the challenges the cathedral faces and the qualities they'd like in the next Dean.

Once the details are finalised, the post will be advertised, setting the gears in motion for the succession process.

This will be followed by the panel shortlisting candidates in mid-March.

The interviewing process is then scheduled for early May with an appointment announcement expected promptly after.

Bishop John brought the spiritual aspect of the process to light, expressing the importance of prayer in the process.

He said: "Please continue to pray for the process of appointing a new Dean of Worcester and for all the members of the panel as we meet.

"This is a crucial appointment in the Diocese and it is very important to know that people in all of our churches are praying."