The Bishop of Blackburn, Rt Rev Philip North, made his first official visit to the Leyland Deanery this week since his Installation as Bishop of Blackburn.

Bishop Phillip had the chance to speak to people of all ages as he met the leadership of the Anglican Church in the area; visited a school and was given a tour of a local ecumenical foodbank.

At St James CE School he also answered questions from a group of year 6 pupils.

Later, in a talk to the whole school, he spoke of God’s generosity and explained what being a Bishop involved.

During his visit to the foodbank, based at St Mary’s Community Centre, he thanked volunteers for their work and was briefed on how the foodbank was operating during the current cost of living crisis.

Then in an address to the local Deanery Synod (made up of lay and ordained local church leaders) he laid out his vision for a church which has joyful worship; is focused on social reform and wants to increasingly involve children and young people.

Commenting on the visit, Acting Area Dean, Fr Mark Soady said: “Bishop Philip enthused the church leaders with his vision; really connected with the school pupils and affirmed the food bank volunteers in the good work they were doing. It was really good to be able to welcome him.”

Bishop Philip added: “I was delighted to receive the invitation from Leyland Deanery to see and hear what is happening locally in our parishes there as we continue to create ‘healthy churches transforming communities’ as part of our Vision 2026.

“There is much to be thankful for across the Deanery and I was particularly delighted to have a chance to meet with and chat to the pupils of St James’ School.

“Ensuring and young people are front and centre in the life of the Diocese is one of my key aims in the coming years.”

Captions for the pictures, top to bottom:

• Bishop Philip speaking to members of the Deanery Synod
• Bishop Philip visiting the ecumenical foodbank
• Bishop Philip is shown the 'thankyou tree' by pupils of St James’ during his visit