THE Diocese of Winchester is hoping to strengthen ties with local churches following the appointment of a new mission Canon.

The Reverend Canon Mark Collinson has been named Canon Principal of the new School of Mission, which aims to help parish churches make change in their communities.

He will lead advice and training for lay people and clergy. A cathedral spokesman said he would “help foster a culture of mission throughout the Diocese.”

As a Residentiary Canon of Winchester Cathedral, Mark will also be a member of Chapter and take part in the cathedral’s governance, worship and work.

Since being ordained in 1998, Mr Collinson has spent most of his time in mainland Europe, as chaplain of Amsterdam’s Christ Church and Area Dean of the Netherlands.

Mr Collinson said it was a great privilege to join the Diocese lead the school.

He added: “I’m really excited about strengthening the connection between parishes and Winchester Cathedral during this period of great renewal within the Church.”

The Rt Rev Tim Dakin, Bishop of Winchester, said: “We are delighted to welcome Mark to the diocese. He brings a wealth of experience of working alongside teams of clergy and lay people to enable churches to grow in spirituality and daily discipleship, nurturing new forms of church community and building vision for transformative engagement with the needs of local communities and the wider world.”