THE BISHOP of Blackburn has re-dedicated a stained glass window at a church in Darwen which has been replaced following a mammoth community fundraising effort.

The Right Reverend Julian Henderson made his first visit to St Cuthbert’s Church, in Blackburn Road, on Sunday to lead the dedication service.

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Worshippers have spent five years fundraising to try and replace the window after a report highlighted that it was in danger of falling out.

On Sunday the congregation gathered for the special service which marked the culmination of their hard work.

A church spokesperson said: “The service was very well attended.

“There were a number of people who hadn’t been for a while who came to the service, which was great to see.

“The fundraising started in 2010 when we got the report that said it wasn’t stable.

“We applied to English Heritage for funding in 2011 but we weren’t successful, but undaunted, we applied again in 2012 and we were successful.

“In the end the project cost around £105,000 and English Heritage gave us around £44,000.

“The rest was raised through the congregation and special events we held.”

The window was originally dedicated in 1878 but over the years had become fragile because of air pollution, traffic vibration and vandalism.

The large window, on the east side of the church, has four panes depicting the light of St Cuthbert and other stories from the Bible, including the Lord’s Supper, the shepherds and the angels, as well as the death of Jesus.

A church spokesperson added: “It is a big window which is why it has cost so much.

“It covers almost all of the east wall.

“The window isn’t particularly unusual or extravagant but it is very big.”

Sunday’s service was also attended by The Dean of Blackburn, the Very Reverend Christopher Armstrong, and The Archdeacon of Blackburn, the Venerable John Hawley.