THE Dean of Blackburn has joined England coach Sven Goran Eriksson and TV maths wizard Carol Vorderman in this year's guide to the world's most famous and influential people.

The mountain climbing Very Reverend Christopher Armstrong, 54, is one of 1,000 names to appear for the first time in the new edition of the Who's Who.

Mr Armstrong, who took up his appointment as the Dean of Blackburn in December last year said he was delighted to be included in the list. Nobody knows who selects the entries but Mr Armstrong's distinguished church career is believed to have won him a spot.

Mr Armstrong worked as a curate in Maidstone, Anglican chaplain at the University of Durham, Director of Ordinands in York, and domestic Chaplain to the Archbishop of York, before coming to Blackburn.

He said he received a questionnaire and envelope last October asking CV-like questions on interests and achievements. "Proud is the wrong word," he said "I am grateful for the enjoyment that the ministry has given me so far."

Mountaineering, sport and theatre are listed as the Dean's main interests in the brief biography. He said: "Most of my younger years were spent climbing either with family, Scouts and then by myself. I have always been fascinated by the mountains."

Climbs last year at Zurich's Weiss Mies and Laggin Horn, standing above 4,000 metres, are among the most memorable and daring challenges he has undertaken. He said: "These were incredibly difficult climbs, not least because of the altitude and at my age.

"I really struggled but it underlined my mortality. Despite always being strong and fit, this was something else." Climbing is described as a 'family thing', having enjoyed walks with his three children.

Mr Armstrong has recently become a grandfather for the first time to baby Adam, who is living with his parents in Indonesia.

His name and biography will appear along with 30,000 other entries in the book.

Countdown star and mathematics whizz Carol Vorderman, actor Ewan McGregor, television cook Nigella Lawson and US National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice, are also new entries.

Sven Goran Eriksson, head coach of England , who five years ago this week turned down a management contract with Blackburn Rovers, will also be appearing.

Other entries of Lancashire's elite include: Michael Andrew Atherton, England cricket captain, awarded an OBE in 1997; Pauline Ann Clare, Chief Constable of Lancashire since 1995; Lord Tony Greaves, of Pendle, made a life peer in 2000.

All entries remain until the person's death where they are transferred to Who Was Who.