A CATHEDRAL continues to move forward into an exciting new era with the appointment of a new executive director.

Sharon Grayston will fulfil the new role, and her recent arrival follows the installation of a new Dean of Blackburn Cathedral, the Very Rev. Peter Howell-Jones, who came to Blackburn following a successful term as Vice-Dean of Chester Cathedral.

Sharon’s responsibilities will include the day-to-day administration of the Cathedral, its finances, business development, properties, employees and volunteers.

Sharon, 52, from Eccleston, near Chorley, said: “I am delighted to take up this role at a time when the Diocese and the Cathedral are fully engaged with Vision 2026 – Healthy Churches Transforming Communities.

“Our vision seeks to make disciples, be witnesses and grow leaders for Christ, which is at the very heart of what the Cathedral is all about and has been about for generations.

“At the same time we seek to be at the heart of the community, here in the immediate location of Blackburn, as well as the wider Diocese across Lancashire.”

Sharon has had a varied career to date, having worked in industry, higher education and local government.

Born in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, she came to Lancashire at an early age and was brought up in Blackpool, attending Highfield High School.

She studied at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston and obtained a BA (Hons) in Business Studies and, later, an MBA (Master of Business Administration).

In 2003 she, her husband David and four children emigrated to Perth in Western Australia.

The family returned to the UK in 2011.

Mrs Grayston has been a committed Christian all her life and was churchwarden at the parish church of St Mary the Virgin, Eccleston, for two years until 2016.

She is still a member of St Mary’s PCC and is a foundation governor of the local church primary school.

Commenting on the appointment today, Dean Peter said: “Being a key part of the work to take Blackburn Cathedral to the next level as executive director will be a fantastic opportunity for Sharon.

“She will work alongside me and my senior colleagues to achieve our ongoing aims – for the Cathedral itself and as part of the wider Diocese.

“I am looking forward to exploring what we can achieve together.”