BURNLEY vicar the Rev Roy McCullough has been made an honorary canon of Blackburn Cathedral in recognition of his service to the church.

Mr McCullough, vicar of St Matthew with Holy Trinity, will be the Kyrkham Canon.

There are only 18 honorary canons at any one time, each named after one of the old districts of Lancashire.

He said: "I feel very honoured. I've known the Cathedral since I was a child and I have seen it grow and develop. I'm delighted to be able to play a part in its life.

"I'm especially pleased to be the 'Kyrkham' Canon because it is the Canonry held by Rev Bryan Robinson, who retires from St Andrew with St Margaret and St James at the end of May."

Mr McCullough has spent all his ministry in the Blackburn Diocese.

He was ordained in 1973 and came to Burnley 13 years later after working in Ashton and Rishton. Shortly after arriving in Burnley he became the chaplain at Victoria Hospital and since 1991 has been Rural Dean.

His new title was granted by the Bishop of Blackburn, the Rt Rev Alan Chesters. As an honorary canon Mr McCullough will play a part of life in the cathedral as a member of the Chapter. He will have a personal stall and preach there from time to time.

The date of his collation as Canon has yet to be fixed, but it is expected to be in the early summer.

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