BLACKPOOL soccer legend Jimmy Armfield was among three new lay canons installed at Blackburn Cathedral on Sunday, bringing what was described as " a bit of street cred" to the Church of England.

Also honoured along with Mr Armfield -- organist for 30 years at St Peter's Church, South Shore -- were Miss Diane Parker, a reader at Holy Cross Church, South Shore, and Mr Keith Banks, a warden of Blackburn Cathedral.

Miss Parker is a former member of the General Synod and founding secretary of the Diocesan Board for Social Responsibility, which advises the church on social issues.

Jimmy Armfield played for both Blackpool and England in an illustrious career. He is now a football commentator for BBC Radio.

Mr Armfield said: "It's a great honour to be made a lay canon because I have been involved with my local church since 1943. It's certainly nothing that I expected to be awarded. I suppose it is like getting a fellowship award at a university. It's all about being involved in the community which is what the church is all about."

The Dean of Blackburn, the Very Rev David Frayne, said he was pleased that Mr Armfield had been chosen to represent the diocese.

He added: "Having Jimmy as a lay canon will, hopefully, give us a bit of street cred and at the same time give football a link with the church."

The three lay canons were installed by the Bishop of Blackburn, the Rt Rev Alan Chesters, watched by a large congregation, mainly from the Blackpool area.