INTERVIEWS will take place next month to find a project co-ordinator for an ambitious Pendle church scheme to help people from all sections of the community.

Around 35 people from across the north asked for details about the £17,481-a-year post to work with local people and organisations in and around Colne.

Of those, 16 applied for the position which will be funded for an initial three years and a short list will be drawn up in the next fortnight.

The co-ordinator will work from a drop-in "Open Door" centre in the town with various groups and people of all ages and backgrounds who need help and advice. The scheme was first suggested last year and will be overseen by Colne Churches Together, a group of Christians from different denominations.

Funding for the post will be met from various Church grants and it has also been supported by Pendle Council.

Although the co-ordinator will be based at the centre, he or she will be expected to spend most of their time out in the community, meeting and talking to people.

A site for the centre has yet to be chosen.

Peter Nowland of Colne Churches Together said: "The response to the job advert was very good. We had some very good applications from people with and from local people, which was encouraging.

"Whoever gets the job will work throughout Colne looking at the needs of the community and trying to find ways, either through existing projects or agencies or by setting up new initiatives, to meet those needs.

"They will work will all sections of the community not just one or two groups."

Interviews for the position will be held in front of a panel of church members from different congregations in the middle of next month.

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