A SITUATIONS vacant notice with a difference has appeared offering people the chance to lead their own diocese.

For the first time in 470 years the £33,000 position of Bishop of Hereford is being advertised in church newspapers.

Usually members of the Crown Appointments Commission meet in secret to discuss possible candidates and select two for the Prime Minister to choose between.

The commission, which is chaired by the Archbishop of Canterbury, is so strict that members are not allowed to tell anyone where they are going or what they are doing.

There are no interviews and candidates do not even submit CVs.

The advert states: "Diocese of Hereford. Vacancy in the See of Hereford. The See will fall vacant on December 1, 2003... Any person wishing to comment on the needs of the diocese or to propose any candidate should write before July 15, 2003 to: The Archbishop's secretary for Appointments and the Prime Minister's Appointments Secretary."

The decision to place the advert comes after a review by the Church of England committee, which recommended the General Synod that the process should be carried out publicly.

Church rules bar women from becoming bishops but there is no restriction on a non-ordained man being considered, as long as he is aged over 30.

Previous non-ordained priests taking such positions include Thomas Becket, who was not a priest when appointed as Archbishop of Canterbury in the 12th Century.

The successful candidate will be expected to lead the diocese and conduct ordinations in the cathedral and confirmations around the diocese.

The job comes with a rent-free 18th Century house in easy walking distance of the cathedral.

Potential perks include a chauffeur, gardener, office staff and an eventual seat in the House of Lords.

The retiring bishop, the Right Reverend John Oliver, is a motorcycling enthusiast who donned his leathers last year to tour the county and promote Herefordshire to tourists.