A CHURCH leader has launched a Lent appeal for more Christian teachers to fill gaps in classroom cover just days ahead of a visit to East Lancashire by Education Secretary David Blunkett.

The Bishop of Blackburn, the Right Reverend Alan Chesters, called on Church of England members across Lancashire to consider going into teaching.

He said Christians could plug the gap caused by teacher shortages and bring a moral viewpoint into classrooms, as well as supporting Church schools in particular of which Blackburn diocese has more than any other diocese in the country.

"My simple prayer is that as we use Lent to take stock of our lives as God's servants, some may feel called to be teachers," said the Bishop, who is the Church of England's senior spokesman on education.

"For those with the appropriate gifts that will bring a great sense of purpose and fulfilment, as through their efforts young lives are nurtured for good."

The Bishop, who will welcome Mr Blunkett to Blackburn Cathedral on Sunday to speak during the annual Education Sunday service, said he hoped more people "will feel called by God to the ministry of teaching."

He added: "I think we have an immense opportunity in our Church schools which can only be fulfilled if Christian people respond to the call.

"Secondly, if feel it's a Christian duty, if there's a need for teachers, to respond to that call as part of a greater citizenship.

"There is that national need for teachers and Christians can respond to that as part of their pastoral calling. Thirdly I believe it's right to ask Christians to think about the issue.

"Christians have an understanding about life and moral values and we have a part to play in society and in education in particular.

"They are all inter-related.

"My visits in the Diocese and as chair of the Church of England board of education and the National Society convince me that the recruitment of good teachers is vital for the future of our society," the Bishop added.

"It is easy to overlook that need and to forget that at St Martin's College, Lancaster, we have one of the largest and highly-rated initial teacher training departments in the country.

"You do not have to leave home to train."

Mr Blunkett will be the first Education Secretary to speak at the service which will be attended by more than 500 heads, teachers and governors from across the county.