A PENDLE vicar and his newly ordained daughter have formed a unique partnership.

John and Rosemary Priestley are the only father and daughter serving in the same diocese.

Rosemary followed in her dad's footsteps when she was ordained as a curate at a ceremony at Blackburn Cathedral on Saturday.

Twenty-eight years ago, baby Rosemary attended her father's ordination at the same venue. Mr Priestley, who is a Queen's Chaplain and Rural Dean of Pendle, has been vicar at Christ Church, Colne, for 22 years.

The new Rev Priestley is curate in the parish of St Paul, Scotforth, Lancaster.

Her mother, Margaret, said: "It was a unique occasion for the family."

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