Britain's first female bishop installed at home diocese

The first female bishop in the Church of England was installed in her home diocese today - on International Women's Day.The Rt Rev Libby Lane was consecrated as the eighth Bishop of Stockport at York Minster in January but today's packed ceremony at Chester Cathedral marked the formal beginning of her ministry.

In November, the Church of England formally adopted legislation to allow women to be bishops, following decades of debate.

More than 1,900 people from across Cheshire attended the installation, which was part of a service of choral evensong.

Bishop Lane took her place in her stall and the Dean of Chester, The Very Revd Professor Gordon McPhate, called for the blessing of God to rest upon her in all her duty and charge.

She was presented with her pastoral staff and welcomed by the civic and faith communities from across the Diocese of Chester.

Bishop Lane, 48, was previously vicar of Hale and Ashley in the Chester Diocese between 2007 and 2014. 

She is married to the Revd George Lane, coordinating chaplain at Manchester Airport.

They were one of the first married couples in the Church of England to be ordained together.

"It was a day of worship and celebration - for men and women alike - as a new chapter was created in the Church of England." see more pictures after this cut….