A LEYLAND vicar is heading for pastures new as he prepares his last service for St Ambrose Parish Church on Sunday, April 28, before moving to Blackburn.

Canon Arthur Ranson, 52, has lived at St Ambrose vicarage, Moss Lane, with wife Janet, 49, for the last 21 years. The couple have two children, David, 20, and Katy, 17.

But now the canon and his wife are off to St Silas Parish in Blackburn at the end of the month.

"I've seen the joys and sorrows of many people's lives working here, in baptisms, weddings and funerals. Leyland is a wonderful place and I've loved bringing my children up here -- the community is very strong. I'm sad to go," said Canon Ranson.

During his time in Leyland, Canon Ranson has been the area Dean of Leyland where he has co-ordinated the work of 20 churches in South Ribble.

In 1982 he introduced the popular Christingle service into church services, in aid of the Children's Society. The parish children raised money for the society each Christmas and were given an orange decorated with sweets on cocktail sticks and a candle. Over the years they raised up to £20,000.

While the Reverend Andrew Holliday, of St James' Church, Slater Lane, Leyland, will take over as Dean, a new priest has yet to be found.