Rugby fan and Archdeacon of Nottingham Peter Hill has been appointed the new Bishop of Barking.

In a statement, Downing Street said 64-year-old Peter is a grandfather-of-two whose interests include “pilgrimage walking, education, rock music, all sports and especially Welsh rugby”.

The announcement was made last Friday at St Margaret’s Church, Barking. Peter replaces the Rt Rev David Hawkins, who retired at the end of March.

“My task is both to be an agent for missional change and to serve, support and encourage clergy and lay church leaders in their ministries,” he said.

The Bishop of Barking covers Havering, Redbridge, Newham, Waltham Forest, and parts of Essex as well as the whole of Barking and Dagenham.

He added: “[Being] an Archdeacon is a bit like being the drummer in a rock band, who provides the back beat to hold things together for the other band members to improvise and build their music on – with an occasional drum solo along the way.”

The Bishop of Chelmsford was keen to applaud the appointment.

Bishop Stephen Cottrell said: “I am delighted that Peter Hill has agreed to be the next Bishop of Barking.

“He comes at a time of great transition in the Diocese of Chelmsford.

“Peter’s thoughtful and imaginative leadership and oversight will bring wisdom and direction during this time of change and development.

“[He] comes with a huge and varied experience of leadership and ministry in the Church of England.”

The Venerable Peter Hill is married to Ellen, who taught children with severe and profound learning difficulties.

A keen sport and outdoor enthusiast, he has completed a number of long distance walks.

He will be consecrated as Bishop of Barking at St Paul’s Cathedral on July 26, and is expected to begin his ministry in September.