MORE than 400 people packed into Holy Saviour's Church, Nelson, for the visit of Cardinal Basil Hume, the head of the Roman Catholic church in England and Wales.

The special visit was arranged as part of the church's centenary celebrations, and the Archbishop was joined by Monsignor Patrick Kelly, the Bishop of Salford, for the anniversary Mass.

Police cordoned off the street as people came out to see Cardinal Hume, who met the Mayor of Pendle, Councillor Frank Clifford, and the borough's MP, Gordon Prentice.

The Archbishop spent five hours with churchgoers, who were keen to witness the first visit to Nelson by a cardinal, and he unveiled an inscribed brass plaque at the front of the church and planted a tree.

Holy Saviour's parish priest Father Michael Haworth said: "This is the most marvellous day in our history."

The service was followed by a reception in a specially erected marquee, and Cardinal Hume was presented with a piece of Waterford crystal.

The marquee is the venue for a series of celebratory events, including youngsters' discos, a buffet lunch and a family night.

Celebrations end on Saturday June 22 with a fun day at Holy Saviour's school, when there will be a host of attractions, including a performance by Pendle Youth Orchestra and a gymnastics display.

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