THE latest in a long line of cathedral choirboys to be elevated to the role of Bishop for a day is 12-year-old William McDonald.

William, who is head chorister, will celebrate the ancient tradition during Evensong on December 6.

In the 3pm service the Bishop of Salisbury, the Right Rev David Stancliffe, will give his staff and ring to William, who will be dressed in replica Bishop’s regalia, and install him on his throne.

As Boy Bishop, William will lead the prayers, blesses the congregation and receive the collection. He will also write and deliver the sermon.

The ceremony is a reconstruction of a medieval one, intended to illustrate the words of the Magnificat: “God has put down the mighty from their throne and has exalted the humble and meek.”

The cathedral’s director of music David Halls said: “This is always a special occasion as it throws into the limelight the superb job the choristers do for Salisbury Cathedral day by day.”