THE Archbishop of York has promised to pray for the successful completion of Blackburn’s £33 million Cathedral Quarter.

Dr John Sentamu told a conference at the town’s premier church yesterday that he was ‘impressed’ by the ‘development next door’.

He welcomed the inclusion in the scheme of the first clergy court and cloister garden at an English Cathedral for 600 years.

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Archbishop John said: “I am praying that the last few thousands of pounds can be found to make the dream come true and take it over the last hurdle.”

He spoke while addressing a ‘Focus on the Middle East’ conference held to launch the Northern branch of the Egypt Diocesan Association.

It sealed a link made between the Anglican Dioceses of Blackburn and Egypt and North Africa started by last year’s visit to the town by its Bishop Mouneer Anis.

The Archbishop, on a two day visit to Lancashire, last night spoke at a major Christian evangelical rally at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom on the theme of “Light in Darkness”.

As he left the Cathedral, he said: “I am looking forward to this because it is the highlight of my visit to Lancashire.

“Get ready for fireworks of a different kind.”

The trip was his first to the county since consecrating new Bishop of Blackburn Julian Henderson as leader of the county’s Anglicans in October. He also visited St Michael’s High School in Chorley and took part in an act of worship with 500 children from across Hyndburn at Accrington’s St John’s Church.

Today he returns to Blackburn Cathedral to lead the early morning staff communion.