The Archbishop of Canterbury is going to step down at the end of the year, after a decade in the role.

Archbishop Rowan Williams has announced he will be taking up a new position as the Master of Magdalene College in Cambridge from January, 2013.

Dr Williams became the 104th Archbishop of Canterbury back in 2002.

He said today: "It has been an immense privilege to serve as Archbishop of Canterbury over the past decade, and moving on has not been an easy decision.

"During the time remaining there is much to do, and I ask for your prayers and support in this period and beyond. I am abidingly grateful to all those friends and colleagues who have so generously supported Jane and myself in these years, and all the many diverse parishes and communities in the Church of England and the wider Anglican Communion that have brought vision, hope and excitement to my own ministry.

"I look forward, with that same support and inspiration, to continuing to serve the Church's mission and witness as best I can in the years ahead."

The 61-year-old will continue to carry out all the duties and responsibilities of the Archbishop of Canterbury, both for the Church of England and the Anglican Communion, until the end of the year.

The Bishop of Dover, the Right Reverend Trevor Willmott, who works in Canterbury on behalf of the Archbishop, commented: "Archbishop Rowan has been deeply valued in this Diocese for his leadership, pastoral experience, prayerful commitment and warmth. I am deeply grateful for his personal support and I shall miss him as a colleague and friend."

Julian Hills, Canterbury Diocesan Secretary added: "It has been a delight to work with Archbishop Rowan. He has always given his fullest support to the work of Canterbury Diocese and to the laity and clergy who work and worship in churches in this area. I wish him the very best for the future."

Lambeth Palace said his intentions have been conveyed to The Queen, who as Supreme Governor of the Church of England formally appoints the role.

It now falls to the Crown Nominations Commission to select two new candidates and put them forward to the Prime Minister who is responsible for advising the Queen on the apppointment.