A NEW priest has been licensed to oversee services at two Blackburn parishes.

A special service was held to welcome Reverend Catherine Elizabeth Brooks at St Luke’s and St Phillip’s in Bank Top.

Rev Brooks has now become the priest in charge of the parishes of Christ the King and St Aidan’s with St Francis.

The parishes include four churches — St Luke’s and St Phillip’s, St Mark’s on Buncer Lane, St Aidan’s in Mill Hill and St Francis.

Rev Brooks, who is happy to be called Cath, is widely experienced in Blackburn’s churches after serving as a curate at both St James’ in Shear Brow and St Stephen’s in Little Harwood for the past five years.

The new Bishop of Blackburn, Right Reverend Julian Henderson oversaw her licensing, which included a procession of the choir, church council, the Archdeacon and the Bishop.