THE Bishop of Blackburn took in the scenery at Nelson and Colne College where he admired the work of students during a visit to the Pendle Deanery by a trio of East Lancashire church leaders.

The Bishops of Blackburn and Burnley, the Right Reverends Alan Chesters and Martyn Jarrett, together with the Archdeacon of Blackburn the Venerable Dr John Marsh, enjoyed a taste of life in the borough during a two-day fact-finding tour which ended.

Rev Chesters was particularly struck by the high standard of photography by the college students.

Among the other places visited were Oddie's Bakery, Nelson, and a local farm.

Other places on the itinerary included St Philip's Primary School, Nelson, Mansfield High School, Brierfield, the Open Door community project, Colne, and a walkabout in Nelson centre.

A special service led by all three clergymen was held at St Luke's Church, Brierfield, on Thursday night.

In the past the Bishops have visited individual parishes on solo trips but the approach has changed and the church leaders now visit deaneries on a rota as a team.

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