Ready for challenge at Abbey

The Rev Canon John Hall, 57, is the former director of education for the Church of England's Blackburn Diocese, which put him in charge of the Lancashire area's church education policies.

He served there from 1992 to 1998, and today welcomed his new posting as an "honour and challenge".

Canon Hall said: "With its many great resonances for Church and State, in the service of monarch and people, and as a place of pilgrimage and prayer, Westminster Abbey has a unique ministry.

"Becoming the next Dean of Westminster is an immense honour and challenge, which I look forward to with relish.

"I shall particularly enjoy being part of a community of welcome and of daily worship."

In his new role, Canon Hall will be at the heart of the Church of England, serving in the abbey which has been the setting for every Coronation since 1066.

He succeeds the Very Rev Dr Wesley Carr, who retired in February.

Canon Hall studied at Durham University, then trained for the priesthood in Oxford after two years as a teacher.

From 1992 to 1998 he was diocesan director of education in Blackburn and also Canon Residentiary of Blackburn Cathedral from 1994 to 1998.

He was appointed general secretary of the National Society for Promoting Religious Education in 1998, and was also General Secretary of the Church of England Board of Education until 2002, when he became the Church of England's Chief Education Officer.

Canon Hall is single, and his interests include music and British political history.

He has written widely on educational matters and was instrumental in the production of the Dearing Report, which has led to significant expansion of Church secondary schools.

Canon Robert Wright, Sub Dean at Westminster Abbey, said: "We are delighted to hear of Canon John Hall's appointment as Dean of Westminster and we look forward enthusiastically to his installation.

"Canon Hall is a very gifted priest who will help to shape the next stage of the Abbey's ministry."