THE retirement of two Archdeacons has resulted in a shake up to a diocesan's leadership team.

Following the retirement of the Venerable Dr Peter Pike, retiring Archdeacon of Montgomery and the Venerable Bob Griffith, retiring archdeacon of Wrexham, the Bishop of St Asaph, the Rt Revd Gregory Cameron, has appointed two new Archdeacons for the Diocese of St Asaph.

Revd Andy Grimwood, vicar of Rhyl, will take up the role of Archdeacon of St Asaph, which covers the Northern coast of the diocese.

Revd Canon Barry Wilson, vice-dean of Chester Cathedral, has been appointed as archdeacon of Montgomery, which covers the Southern half of the diocese.

The current Archdeacon of St Asaph, the Venerable John Lomas, will move to take up responsibility for the Archdeaconry of Wrexham.

The leadership team has a responsibility for more than 100 clergy, 228 churches, more than 500 lay leaders and more than 7000 church members.

Bishop Gregory said: "The retirement of two Archdeacons this year gives us the opportunity to change the role and responsibilities of Archdeacons.

"Originally conceived as the bishop’s fixers, we want our archdeacons to lead the renewal of the church and to mentor and lead Mission Areas towards growth.

"The appointments of Barry from the Diocese of Chester and Andy from Rhyl brings different ideas and experiences to the leadership team and we look forward to moving ahead with our exciting plans for the diocese.”

Revd Grimwood moved to the Diocese of St Asaph in 2001 - he was based in Rhyl before moving to Newtown, He returned to Rhyl in 2013.

Canon Wilson has been with the Diocese of Chester since 2013. He served as a rector of St Mary’s in Nantwich and more recently, as vice-dean of Chester Cathedral.

The Venerable John Lomas, who will become the Archdeacon of Wrexham, has served the last three and a half years as Archdeacon of St Asaph.

The former navy officer returned to the navy as a chaplain in 2000 after being ordained in the Diocese of St Asaph in 1994.

John spent 10 years as Vicar of Holywell before serving as transition missioner for the diocese, helping churches in interregnum to consider positive ways forward.