EAST Lancashire's first Church of England woman vicar has been instituted and inducted at St Bartholomew's Church in Great Harwood.

The Rev Janet Heil, 42, previously curate at St Paul's Church, Scotforth, Lancaster, has taken over from the Rev Kevin Arkell, who has moved on to St Peter's, Darwen.

Miss Heil graduated from Liverpool University as a Bachelor of Education and, after further study at Cramner Hall College, Durham, she was ordained deaconess in 1985 and deacon in 1987.

Miss Heil, who has been in the St Bartholomew's parish for just over a fortnight, said: "I have received a very warm welcome from parishioners. I don't want to be known as a woman priest. I just want to be known as a priest. I am excited about the whole thing.

"I am looking forward to it and looking forward to becoming a part of the community here. It is a big challenge.

Miss Heil has 10 years' experience behind her and hopes to build on that at Great Harwood.

The Bishop of Blackburn, the Right Rev Alan Chesters, performed the institution ceremony and the Archdeacon of Lancaster, the Venerable Kenneth Gibbons, did the induction.

She is one of only two women vicars in Lancashire, the other being the Rev Ann Wood, vicar of St Nicholas' Church, Marton Moss, Blackpool, and formerly curate at All Saints, Habergham, Burnley.

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