THE BISHOP of Blackburn’s right hand man was enjoying his own big day at the town’s cathedral today - and this time, wedding bells will chime.

A week after attending his boss’s inauguration, Bishop’s chaplain Toby Webber will today be waiting at the altar for his blushing bride, Rebecca Cranshaw.

Toby played a pivotal role in preparing for the Rt Rev Julian Henderson’s arrival in Lancashire since the announcement in March this year.

And all the time, he was busy making preparations for his own big day, saying that Rebecca, who works as a science teacher in Skipton, had been very understanding of his many absences in the run-up to their nuptials.

The ceremony was due to be attended by Rt Rev Henderson and his wife, Heather and the pair will be married by the Bishop of Burnley, Rt Rev John Goddard.

Toby worked closely with Bishop John while he fulfilled the role of Acting Bishop of Blackburn over the past year.

38-year-old Toby has been Bishop’s chaplain since last year and was previously the Priest in charge of St Aidan’s, Bamber Bridge; St Leonard’s, Walton-le-Dale and St Leonard’s, Samlesbury.

He was ordained in 2002 and was first a curate at St Laurence’s Church in Chorley.

Speaking yesterday, Toby said: “Rebecca and I are looking forward to our wedding with great excitement, and to celebrating our special day with many dear friends and family.

“We are very grateful to have found each other.

“This month is very much a time of new beginnings. Last week, I was with the new Bishop of Blackburn at the inauguration of his ministry.

“This week, Rebecca and I will be back in the very same cathedral church to begin our married life together.

“We are so happy to be able to pledge to love, comfort, honour and protect each other every day of our lives, all within the overarching love of God.”