THE Dean of Blackburn has spoken of the late Queen Elizabeth II's Christian faith as he confirmed the arrangements for the services of thanksgiving for her life at the Cathedral and St Peter's Church in Burnley.

The Very Rev. Peter Howell-Jones said: "At this time of national mourning, much has been said about the dedication and service of our late Queen Elizabeth II. But what has also been a focus for discussion and comment has been the hope and faith that she had in the person of Jesus Christ.

"It was this hope that our late Queen embraced for herself, which gave her such strength in her own life, and now in the face of death, she can confidently rest in peace and rise in glory.

"It’s often in times of crisis, uncertainty and indeed grief we begin to think again about what life is all about and how we can make sense of all that’s going on around us.

"Today you may be struggling with your own grief; or stressed about making ends meet; or facing challenges in your own family or community.

"Finding that anchor in life can provide a real sense of hope and security as it did for our Queen."

The dean spoke in Blackburn Cathedral in front of the Lancashire Jubilee Tapestry.

The County Service of Thanksgiving is at Blackburn Cathedral on Sunday at 2pm and will be ticket only.

On Saturday there will be a service in her memory at 11am in St Peter’s Church, Burnley.

There will be some ticketed invitations but it also open to the public on first come, first served basis. It will be relayed on screen in the nearby school hall.

Blackburn Cathedral in Blackburn has also opened an online Book of Condolence alongside the one available to sign in person.

The recently-retired Bishop of Blackburn, the Rt Rev. Julian Henderson has written a special prayer to be used daily in parishes across the Diocese.