AN EX-LIVERPOOL science teacher is the new Dean of Manhattan.

Pastor John Barrie Lawless, who moved to the States almost nine years ago, was picked for the prestigious role by the local clergy in New York and was handed the title from the city’s bishop.

As the new Dean, he will guide 17 congregations in his area and will be one of the Bishop’s right- hand men.

Pastor Barrie, who is 69, said: "There are 200 Lutheran churches in New York and a bishop, and each area has a Dean who liaises with the Bishop and oversees what’s going on, and among other duties, when a clergyman retires he finds a replacement."I like the idea of being the Dean of Manhattan very much. I know the churches and nearly everybody involved, and each church is different, one deals with sophisticated types, another is exclusively black, another one has classical music.

"And it’s a terrific city. My wife and I absolutely love it. We describe being in New York as like being in the biggest toy store.

"New York has this incredible energy and is incredibly creative. For instance a third of my membership are trained musicians.Even now, when we walk down 5th Avenue, we have to pinch ourselves."

Pastor Barrie was born in Widnes and worked for more than 35 years in Liverpool.

He taught for 20 years at the former Hillfoot Hey High School, in Hunts Cross, and then spent five years at Calderstones High School, in Allerton, before moving on to Liverpool university, teaching in the post-graduate education department for 10 years.