Cathedral role for chief exec

Commenting on the honour, Paul said: “As well as reflecting my personal involvement with the life of Durham Cathedral and the wider Anglican diocese, Bishop Tom Wright specifically referred to my role at Traidcraft as one of the reasons for inviting me to become a Canon.

“The diocese is keen to celebrate the fact that Traidcraft is based within it, and recognises the value of the work we do in fighting poverty and bringing Christian mission into the secular worlds of trade and business. I hope this new role will help further strengthen the good relationships Traidcraft has with the Christian community across the North-East.”

Paul is a member of Durham Cathedral Council and a Governor of The Choristers School, where his three daughters are pupils. He will be installed as a Lay Canon at a special service of Evensong on December 14, along with three Honorary Canons.