Winchester Cathedral was packed to witness the enthronement of The Rt Rev Tim Dakin as the new bishop.

Church and civic leaders from across the diocese, which includes most of Hampshire, came to welcome him.

In his opening sermon on Saturday (April 21), he said: “I’d like the diocese to plan for growth and for more people to come into faith.”

He added: “I believe the diocese can grow and there are green shoots, and the diocese is ready for change.”

He did not say what the changes might be, but outlined three priorities, to be “passionate, pioneering and prophetic”.

He argued that church members needed to get out into the community to spread the word.

Quoting St Paul, he said: “I want to know Christ, I want the church to know Christ, and I want everyone to know Christ.”

The new bishop was born to missionary parents in Tanzania and worked in Kenya, and often returns to Africa.

He has been General Secretary of the Church Mission Society for 12 years before becoming Bishop of Winchester.

He succeeds The Rt Rev Michael Scott-Joynt, who retired last year and spent 16 years in the role.

Before arriving in Winchester, the new bishop lived in Berkshire with his wife Sally and their children Anna, 21, and Johnny, 17.

More coverage of the service will feature in the next edition of the Hampshire Chronicle, out on Thursday, April 26.