A RELIGIOUS book shop has been opened at the rear of Benedictine Brindle St Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, Hoghton.

Previously, books and religious items were sold after Masses on an informal basis, but sales have increased dramatically since the shop, called Brindle Books, was constructed.

Its stock includes products of Traidcraft, the Christian organisation which works to ensure that poorly paid workers around the world get a fair deal.

Former parish priest Father Geoffrey Lynch, made a special trip from Ampleforth Abbey, Yorkshire, to perform the opening ceremony.

Brindle Books is open after each weekend Mass in the church.

In a separate ceremony in the parish hall, Father Lynch was presented with a cheque for £500 by Edmund Noblett on behalf of the parishioners.

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