THE Church in Wales yesterday chose a successor for new Arch-bishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams, in his former diocese of Monmouth.

Although he has a month to decide whether or not to accept the appointment, the Right Rev Dominic Walker told the Argus today he would be taking up the post.

"I haven't received the formal notification and have 28 days in which to decide, but I wouldn't have let my name go forward if I wasn't prepared to accept," said the present Area Bishop of Reading.

He agreed to become a candidate after the electoral college "met and prayed and felt God was calling me".

The Rt Rev Walker's mother, Mary, was born in Abertillery, where he still has relatives. She now lives in Monmouth.

Well respected in Reading, he is chairman of the Anglican Society for the Welfare of Animals.

"I think animal issues are important and are tied up with the doctrine of creation, with our survival and good animal welfare benefits everyone, the farmer, the consumer and the environment."

Bishop Walker, 54, is unmarried and is one of 13 bishops that belong to a religious order, the Oratory of the Good Shepherd.

His enthronement at St Woolos Cathed-ral , Newport, is expected to take place at the end of March.

When Dr Williams was appointed leader of the Anglican Church last week, he left a vacancy in Wales.

The move is the first step to finding a new Archbishop of Wales, with a vote expected to choose from the bench of bishops in April.

Bishop of Llandaff Barry Morgan, who has taken over the Archbishop of Wales' duties until a successor is appointed, is widely expected to assume the role.

Church in Wales spokesman Sion Brynach said: "The election of a new bishop is always an important event within the life of the Church in Wales.

"The system as it stands is seen as one that allows reflection and prayer by all members, and as one that encourages the Holy Spirit's influence on the decision of the electoral college's members."