THE Archbishop of Wales, the Most Rev Dr Rowan Williams, is likely to be named as Archbishop of Canterbury tomorrow.

Dr Williams, 52, pictured, who is also Bishop of Monmouth and lives in Newport, would be the first bishop outside the Church of England to be appointed to the post for more than 300 years.

The father-of-two was widely tipped as the man to succeed Dr George Carey as the 104th Archbishop of Canterbury.

It was known that the prime minister was impressed by Dr Williams, and he also received the backing of one of the leading figures in the Anglican church, Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Archbishop Tutu, who was one of the world's most prominent and outspoken critics of the former apartheid regime in South Africa, had previously said of Dr Williams: "He towers head and shoulders above any of the other people."

Archbishop Tutu also warned a failure to appoint him would mean the Anglican church worldwide had lost a wonderful opportunity.

Dr Williams - who has always refused to discuss speculation surrounding the appointment - was yesterday in mid Wales. He carried out an unscheduled visit to the Royal Welsh Showground, before preaching at St Mary's parish church in Builth Wells.

Dr Williams combines a formidable intellect - at the age of 36 he was one of Oxford University's youngest professors - with an ability to communicate with ordinary people.

Known to be a fan of The Simpsons and Father Ted, he is a holder of 'liberal' views and supports women in the priesthood.

As the Argus reported recently, he called on the Church to be more welcoming to homosexuals.

It is believed that the Queen gave her approval to Dr Williams' appointment in a meeting with Tony Blair earlier this month.

The outspoken Archbishop of Wales has had to keep a public silence about his nomination.

But he is expected to give a press conference tomorrow about his aspirations and intentions for the job.

If his expected appointment is confirmed, he will then be enthroned in a ceremony at Canterbury Cathedral next spring which will be attended by members of the Royal family and Anglican leaders from all over the world.