Jeff will leave his post in February after 18 months as Dean and said today that he was "absolutely sure that it is the right decision for the Cathedral and for myself."

"It has been a huge privilege to have been Dean of Derby even for this short period.  I hope that people will remember me for having steadied the ship and begun the process of setting a course for the future" Dr Cuttell said today.

He added: "I am grateful to the Bishop of Derby for his encouragement and support and for his understanding in accepting my decision to move on into a different kind of ministry."

Bishop Alastair  said today that he had accepted the Dean's resignation with a certain amount of regret.

"Obviously, Jeff has not taken this decision lightly but we both believe that he will flourish better in a different kind of role.  Nevertheless, he has put together a platform for stability and security on which his successor will be able to build."

Clergy across the Diocese of Derby have been told of the move by a letter from the Bishop today and Cathedral staff have been informed.

The process for appointing a successor will begin shortly.