SALVATION Army officers James and Penny Van Cleef are looking forward to a new life in Blackburn after swapping their home in the Channel Islands for East Lancashire.

The pair yesterday took their first service Blackburn Salvation Army Church after moving from Guernsey - and admitted they couldn't be happier with the change.

Captain Van Cleef has lived in Britain for 15 years, but was born in America, so he is no stranger to new places.

He admits that he fell in love with England when visiting the country on holiday as a child and is sure he will fall in love with Blackburn just the same.

Capt Van Cleef and his wife have two children, Abigail, 13 and Adam, nine. Although he says the move has been hard for them, he is sure the family will re-adjust.

He said: "We all like this part of the country. We like being near to the Lake District and the open spaces. We felt it was the right time for us to move and see what we can offer the people in Blackburn."

Their first service took place yesterday where divisional leader Major Chick Yuill conducted Penny and James' installation into their new leadership role.

They are excited about their new roles, but admit it will be a big culture change. Capt Van Cleef said: "Everything is different here, the culture, the people. We've met a few of the members and they seem nice, we have to get to know people's personalities and their different sense of humour all over again."

Capt Van Cleef and his wife Penny are taking over the running of the Blackburn Salvation Army Church, in Vicar Street, from Mayor Rainer and Barbara Naeler.