A BISHOP found himself behind bars in Lancaster on Sunday, helping a group of prisoners turn to God.

The Anglican bishop of Burnley, the Rt Rev John Goddard, baptised and confirmed eight prisoners at Lancaster Castle's chapel.

The prisoners, some of whom have a history of drug abuse as well as crime, hope the confirmation will help them to turn their lives around.

They were joined at the castle's chapel by fellow inmates, representatives of the Methodist and Roman Catholic churches and the Salvation Army.

One of the prisoners, Billy, who has served 13 years in prison, said: "Today I've turned my life and will over to God. I was a drug taker and I came here to work on the rehab programme. In the last 12 months I've got my whole life back together."

Another, Brian said: "This means an awful lot to me; it's a great change in my life.

"I've gone from the rough life, the scally-wag life, to handing over my life and going on God's will. I'd been on drugs a long time -- since I was nine years old."

A third, David added: "I'd been on drugs for 22 years and this (the rehab programme) is the only thing that's ever worked for me. This is fantastic for me, today. I'm sitting here in prison and I've never been so happy in my life."

The Bishop said afterwards: "It's been a very special day for me as Bishop to be with eight men who made a joyful acclamation of their faith and wish to go forward to a changed life.

"To be part of that has been a great joy."