Anglicans have appointed the UK and Ireland's first woman bishop.

The Rev Pat Storey, rector of St Augustine's in Derry, has been elected by the Church of Ireland as the new Bishop of Meath and Kildare.

The married mother of two, who grew up in Belfast, said she was both "excited and daunted" by the historic appointment.

"I have had an extraordinarily happy experience in St Augustine's and in this wonderful city, which I will be sad to leave," she said.

"However, I count it an enormous privilege to begin a new phase of my ministry with the people of Meath and Kildare, and I look forward to working with the team of clergy who are already there.

"I would sincerely ask for your prayers for myself and my family, who are the best family in the world."

Michael Jackson, Archbishop of Dublin, said the appointment brings delight to many across the Church of Ireland and throughout the Anglican Communion.

"Pat herself brings to this work of God a warm personality and a breadth of spiritual gifts to share generously in the church and in the community," he said.