BLACKPOOL has been singled out for praise by the Bishop of Blackburn who in his Christmas Day address talked of the problems of refugees entering the country.

Speaking to the congregation at Blackburn Cathedral at the Christmas Day Eucharist, the Rt Rev Alan Chesters said Blackpool was a "ray of hope in a sea of despair."

The Bishop said: "As I think of the innkeeper opening his stable door, I am conscious that as we celebrate, millions of people in this world are refugees -- driven from their homes by endless power struggles -- and among them those who seek asylum on these shores.

"Do we pray for Jack Straw as he wrestles with such a deeply human issue and do we rejoice that in places like Blackpool homes are being found and the churches are engaged in the immediate welfare of the refugees?

"As I meditate on the holy family seeking shelter, I think of the three homeless men I met last month at the very basic night shelter run by Christ Church in Lancaster in their church hall and largely staffed by undergraduates from the University and St Martin's College.

"These are rays of hope in a sea of despair. If Christmas has any real meaning, then such concerns must be addressed and we m ust play our part in meeting them.

"These are major issues for the future of mankind and we could name many more, from the future of the planet itself to the need for universal education and medical care."

The subject of the town's bed and breakfast accommodation being used as "hostels" for asylum seekers has been a controversial issue throughout the year.