A LOGO representing the founding of the Blackburn Diocese 75 years ago has been unveiled by the Bishop of Blackburn.

The logo was launched at Blackburn Cathedral by the Rt Reverend Alan Chesters who said it would kick off the anniversary celebrations across the diocese.

He added: "It uses a cross, a map and a number to remind everyone of who we are and what we are about; Christians in the Church of England in Lancashire who have been making their faith known through worship and service as the Diocese of Blackburn for the past 75 years.

And in celebrating the past throughout 2001 we are also looking forward to all God is going to inspire us to do in the future." Parishes from across Lancashire will be represented at the formal launch of the anniversary celebrations during the Epiphany Carol Service this Sunday. Four themes; education, social concerns, Christian unity and mission will dominate the year, reflecting the major priorities of Bishop William Temple -- later Archbishop -- who developed the new diocese of Blackburn from his then Diocese of Manchester in 1926.

The Archbishop of York, Dr David Hope, will attend a special Holy Communion service in Blackburn Cathedral on October 6.

Picture: From left, Dean of Blackburn, the Very Rev David Frayne; the Archdeacon of Lancaster, the Venerable Colin Williams; the Bishop of Blackburn, the Rt Rev Alan Chesters; and the Bishop of Burnley, the Rt Rev John Goddard with Blackburn Diocese's newly-launched 75th anniversary logo