CHURCHES have been urged to be on the lookout for a missing cross belonging to the Bishop of Blackburn.

An appeal has been issued on the Blackburn Diocese website for the gold cross and chain, on behalf of the Right Rev Nicholas Reade.

Diocesan officials believe that the cross and chain may have been left in a church vestry during one of his many engagements across the county.

Bishop Nicholas performs duties across Blackburn, Darwen, Accrington, Burnley and beyond in his role as leader of the Church of England in Lancashire.

The item, known as a pectoral cross, is a symbol of both the bishop’s position and his faith.

Archdeacon of Blackburn, the Venerable John Hawley said: “The bishop’s pectoral cross, is a gold-plated cross and chain, which a bishop wears around his neck.

"It is to symbolise he is a man of the cross, that he lives, like Jesus, a life of sacrifice and love.

“The bishop, I am sure, would be very happy to have it returned.

“It is not only the bishop’s sign of office but it often has great value as it is usually bought and given as a gift by someone close, usually when they are ordained.”

Traditionally, a number of symbolic items are associated with the office of an Anglican bishop, most notably the mitre, crosier, episcopal ring, purple cassock and pectoral cross.

Anyone with information is asked to call Blackburn Cathedral’s office on 01254 503090 or to visit the offices at Cathedral Close in Blackburn town centre.