THE Bishop of Derby will be present when Derbyshire-born Libby Lane becomes the first woman bishop in England next week.
Currently a vicar in Chester, the Rev Lane will be installed as the eighth Bishop of Stockport at York Minster on Monday.
Her appointment brings to an end centuries of male-dominated leadership of the church of England.
The ceremony will be witnessed by bishops from across the country, including the Bishop of Derby, the Rt Rev Alistair Redfern.
And to mark the historic occasion, there will also be a Eucharist at Derby Cathedral on the same day.
Dr John Davies, the Dean of Derby, said: "Monday will be a great day for the Church of England and Derby Cathedral will be part of those celebrations.
"All will be very welcome at the cathedral here as we join together to mark this day with worship and thanksgiving."
Ms Lane, who was born in Glossop, was ordained in the Church of England as a deacon in 1993 and as a priest in 1994. She has been vicar of the combined benefice of St Peter's Hale and St Elizabeth's Ashley, in the Diocese of Chester, since 2007.
She has served as the Dean of Women in Ministry in the Diocese of Chester since 2010, in addition to being a vicar.
She will be installed at a ceremony at 11am on Monday by the Archbishop of York, John Sentamu.
It is only 20 years since the first 1,500 women were ordained as priests.
Last July, the Church of England General Synod voted to give final approval to legislation introducing the first women bishops.
Prime minister David Cameron congratulated Ms Lane on becoming the first woman bishop in the Church, calling it an "historic appointment and important day for equality".
The Dean of York Minster, the Very Rev Vivienne Faull, said Ms Lane's appointment was a "wonderful culmination of a long and difficult journey for women in the church."
She said: "This is a new and exciting beginning for the church as men and women of faith join together in the work of worship, ministry and mission.
"I know Reverend Libby Lane and I know that the people of the Diocese of Chester will be getting a capable, vibrant and extraordinary woman to support the ministry of the people of Stockport.
"I am delighted that Reverend Libby Lane has been appointed to a diocese in the Northern Province and the consecration will be held here at York Minster.
"We look forward to hosting this momentous and historic occasion."
