A VICAR who transformed an old supermarket into a thriving church and community centre is to become the first black canon of Blackburn Cathedral.

The Rev Herrick Daniel became priest-in-charge at St Barnabas' Church, Blackburn, in 1981, inheriting a congregation of 12 which met in a school extension.

A grant from the diocese enabled him to buy a former Co-op building and a further £200,000 was raised to convert it to a church, bookshop and community centre. The congregation now is 150.

The Bishop of Blackburn, the Rt Rev Alan Chesters, said: "The Rev Herrick Daniel has given long, patient and imaginative service in an Urban Priority Area, recognised nationally by the Church of England as a parish with pressing social needs.

"By putting his faith into action, he has built up a vibrant Christian community and enabled it to share and serve the concerns of its neighbours.

"In so doing he has won the co-operation and respect of people across the traditional social and religious boundaries. I am delighted he will be the first black canon of Blackburn Cathedral."

Mr Daniel, who has just completed an MA in evangelism and is planning to write a book about his church centre, said: "I am very excited about this.

"I'm so pleased because it reflects my work in the community. It's a recognition of that community, as well as to me personally."

Mr Daniel was born in St Lucia, grew up in London and trained for the Anglican priesthood in Bristol.

He became a Christian while attending a Billy Graham crusade in London, where he obtained the last place in Haringey Stadium by standing in the choir.

He had curacies in London and Blackburn Dioceses before becoming priest-in-charge at St Barnabas'.

Mr Daniel and his wife Judy have five children. He plans to develop his church further as a national centre for the study of urban mission.

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