A VICAR ended up on the floor during a service after a row with a worshipper over "happy clapping".

The Rev John O'Connor had to pick himself up from the aisle after the incident with an unhappy parishioner.

Brownies and cubs were among the congregation who saw the vicar fall at St Francis' Church, Feniscliffe, Blackburn, after a children's service and parade on Sunday.

The parishioner was said to be upset over the introduction of clapping during hymns.

It is believed he asked a member of the congregation to stop clapping during a performance of Shine Jesus Shine.

He then spoke to the vicar's wife, Angela, who was also clapping and was said to be in tears after the incident.

Mr O'Connor spoke to the man and ended up falling to the floor.

The man has since apologised for the church scuffle. The vicar said: "This was an isolated incident at the end of a very happy family service.

"We had been singing a modern hymn we have been using for some time and as often happens some of the youngsters and their families were clapping.

"One member of the congregation was not happy and protested.

"But I have since had a letter of apology from that person and hope now to put the matter behind us and carry on with building up the life of the church together."

One member of the congregation, who did not want to be named said: "We're all very happy with the services the vicar has introduced because they are very uplifting.

"Unfortunately there is one man who does not like it and he has made a nuisance of himself."

The parishioner, Peter Dobson, of Beechwood Drive, added: "It has all been terribly upsetting. Everything has been discussed privately and I would like it to remain that way."

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