BLACKBURN Cathedral has hosted a special commission in service for officers of Lancashire's Mothers Union.

It was held during Evensong and led by the Bishop of Blackburn, Rt Rev. Julian Henderson.

He commissioned the new president of Blackburn Diocese Gill Ireland, deputy president Jenny Towers (Blackburn Archdeaconry) and deputy president (Lancaster Archdeaconry) Kath Lane.

Also commissioned were Rev. Susan Seed, Vicar of Slyne with Hest as Mothers’ Union chaplain; Jane Cairns from St Michael’s, Kirkham as action and outreach coordinator and Kath Bill from Church of The Ascension, Torrisholme as faith and policy coordinator.

Mothers’ Union members from 100 parishes across the county were welcomed by the Dean of Blackburn the Very Rev. Peter Howell-Jones, the Bishop of Burnley, Rt Rev. Philip North and the Archdeacon of Blackburn, The Venerable Mark Ireland.

The Mothers’ Union in Blackburn Diocese is very active in many areas of work including children’s groups, local hospitals and prisons.

Speaking after the service, Mrs Ireland said: “I am so pleased to have been chosen to be Diocesan President. I hope to inspire members to become more prayerful and to generously support our projects which help families whose lives have met with adversity.”