A PRIEST celebrating his golden jubilee has been honoured with a special award for his service to Clayton-le-Moors and Altham.

Father Joe Feeley, 74, who joined St Mary's, Clayton-le-Moors, eight years ago has been presented with the Clayton and Altham Area Council Award in recognition of services to the community.

Coun Tim O'Kane, ward councillor who presented the award, said: "Father Feeley was the driving force behind a number of initiatives in Clayton. And he has been accepted into the towns as a local by the people of Clayton-le-Moors.

"He brought the credit union to the town, which was the first in the area, and has helped to keep people away from the loan sharks.

"He was also responsible for getting the burial ground sorted out, as it was an eyesore before he arrived.

"He is a caring and compassionate man who looks after his parishioners and gives 110 per cent."

The Irish-born priest, who celebrated the golden jubilee of his ordination in a three-day event including a flower festival and two concerts, said he had been one in a team. He said: "I am delighted with the award. Of course my actions here are centred around the church but there are other needs and concerns which I have helped with.

"In terms of the burial site it was a team effort.

"I had been told you had to be in East Lancashire for two generations before you would be treated as a local but I have been accepted after only eight years, which is wonderful."

Prior to his Golden Jubilee celebrations altar girl Charlotte Brankin, 11, wrote to the Queen, the Prime Minister Tony Blair and US President George Bush, among others, to seek acknowledgement for the event.

And on August 5 Fr Feeley will go to Preston Guild Hall to meet the Queen when she tours Lancashire as part of her own jubilee celebrations.