He has been filling in as Acting Dean of Rochester on and off for five years, and Dr Phil Hesketh is now set to be installed permanently at a service at Rochester Cathedral this weekend.

Canon Hesketh was announced as Dean Designate in February and at the time he said: “I am really excited to be taking up the challenge and concentrating on the one role and not the two.

“I have been overwhelmed by the support I have received across the county.”

The 51-year-old said that one of his priorities is to oversee the restoration of England’s second-oldest cathedral. His other focus is on the £1 million a year needed for the upkeep of the building.

At the same time, the father-of-four is passionate about opening it up for live music concerts, art exhibitions and dining evenings.

He sees the Dean’s role as “versatile and diverse” and the public face of the church. He sits on meetings to attract more tourism and boost the local economy of the town, and he is keep to get more musical gigs in the nave.

All are welcome to attend his installation on Sunday. The congregation must be seated by 2.30pm.