A new vicar has been appointed to lead Workington's St John's Church.

The Rev Canon Professor Robert Hannaford is due to take up the role on October 2.

The post had been vacant since the retirement of Rev John Cook in March of last year.

Prof Hannaford is currently executive dean in the faculty of education, arts and business at the University of Cumbria.

Richard Pratt, Archdeacon of West Cumberland, said: "I'm thrilled, Robert is a lovely person and he is used to dealing with big projects and budgets.

"There's lots of work to be done to the building of St John's, it's one of the most spectacular buildings in Workington."

The grade two listed building was added to the English Heritage ‘at risk’ register last October and  needs urgent repairs to its roof, tower and some windows.

Mr Pratt added: "I want St John's to flourish and be a special place for Workington. We're looking at redeveloping the hall behind the church for the community to use.

"John Cook and Malcolm Stilwell - assistant priest - have worked really hard and we are grateful for what they did.

"The church has a lovely congregation and Robert is lucky to have them and we are lucky to have him."

Last year, the church council announced plans to apply to the Heritage Lottery Fund to help repair the church and making it more accessible to the community.

Built in 1823 to commemorate the Battle of Waterloo, to a design by Thomas Hardwick, St John’s is a copy of St Paul’s in Coventry.

St John’s has a Sir Ninian Comper interior, which includes a canopied altar gilded in nine carat gold.

The sanctuary has been described as the finest example of his work in western Europe.