BLACKBURN Cathedral will host a special event this weekend for people to mark the 10th anniversary of the death of Princess Diana.

And it is being organised by a canon who knew the Royal.

Canon Chris Chivers worked with the Princess through HIV and AIDS charities which they were both involved in, especially in South Africa.

Before taking up his role at Blackburn Cathedral he worked at Westminster Abbey and was involved in organising the Queen Mother's funeral, Princess Margaret's funeral and the Queen's Golden Jubilee.

He has since worked with Princes William and Harry in their charity work, including with Prince Harry in Lesotho, South Africa.

Canon Chivers and his colleagues have written a "multi-faith" prayer in memory of the royal and organised a service for people to reflect 10 years after her death.

He said: "The anniversary of Diana's death is a very difficult time and we felt the cathedral would be the ideal place for people to come and reflect on their memories of her.

"Diana touched a lot of people's lives.

"She was a vulnerable person and very fragile and people could identify with that.

"Most of all she was a great listener.

"Most people in public life are not good listeners so that made a huge difference.

"She had an ability to be with people and identify with them.

"She captivated everyone she met."

Canon Chivers worked with the late Princess of Wales with the London-based HIV and AIDS charity Lighthouse.

He has worked at Blackburn Cathedral for the past two years and was at Westminster Abbey for the four years previously.

He has written a special prayer to be read out at the special service from 4pm at the cathedral this Sunday in a tribute to the Princess who was killed in a Paris car crash 10 years ago.

Canon Chivers's prayer for Diana

God, ever loving, as we remember before you Diana, Princess of Wales, and express thanks for the way in which her many qualities touched us so deeply, we pray for her children, William and Harry, for her family and friends, and all for whom this anniversary awakens feelings of grief and loss.

Embraced by your love, may each of us, like her, reach beyond our own pain to the lost and forgotten whom she treasured so dearly, and bring to birth the better world for which you invite all of us to work. Amen.