This week, Canon ARTHUR RANSON walks the Witton Weavers' Way

CANON Arthur Ranson, who is to be licensed as the new priest-in-charge of St Silas' church in Blackburn on Tuesday, is a keen walker who has now moved closer to one of his favourite areas.

Canon Ranson, who has lived at St Ambrose vicarage in Moss Lane, Leyland, for the past 21 years, is now settling into his new home in Preston New Road before his first service on Ascension Day, Thursday, May 9.

One of his favourite places for walking is the Witton Weavers' Way, a series of connecting walks through Witton Park in Blackburn. From nearby Billinge Hill, he will be able to look back towards his old parish in Leyland and beyond. "I'm not used to these hills, coming from Leyland," he said.

"I do like walking and I am looking forward to walking around Billinge and Witton Park and up to Darwen Tower."

Canon Ranson also has favourite walks in other parts of the county. "I do a lot of walking in the north of the county. I love walking around Silverdale and Yelland, and Wharton Crag is particularly nice at this time of year," he said.