Curate lands top role

Rev Mark Ireland is returning to Lancashire after a nine-year spell as a vicar in Shropshire. He previously served as a vicar in Baxenden near Accrington.

He succeeds Archdeacon John Hawley who is retiring after 13 years in the job.

The Bishop of Blackburn, Rt Rev Julian Henderson, will conduct the collation ceremony during the choral evensong (4pm), while the Dean of Blackburn, the Very Rev Christopher Armstrong will install the new Archdeacon.

Bishop Julian said: “Mark comes to us with a wealth of experience and he is certain to make a significant contribution to the life of The Church of England in Lancashire.”