A NUN who founded an East Lancashire school has died at the age of 89.

Sister Gabriel Julie Allen was born in Liverpool and became a member of the Notre Dame Order.

She moved to East Lancashire more than 40 years ago after she was appointed headteacher of Heathfield School in Meins Road, Blackburn.

Sister Gabriel Julie retired in the late 70s but continued to work at local schools. She went on to found Oakhill College in Whalley and the Alex Home for the young disabled in Accrington.

She also managed to keep up a lifelong love of music and the arts.

Her friend and close colleague Mrs Maureen Simpson of Great Harwood said: "Sister Gabriel Julie was a very determined person.

"Once she set out to achieve something she made certain it happened no matter what."

A service will take place at Our Lady's Church in Parbold near Wigan at 2pm on Wednesday.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.