CATHOLICS from East Lancashire have described their 'amazing' experiences seeing the Pope on his first state visit to the UK.

Worshippers from St Mary's Church, Clayton-le-Moors, were just 100 yards from the altar at the beatification mass of John Henry Newman in Birmingham.

Marlene Jones, a church member, said: “The Pope looked radiant.”

She was joined on the pilgrimage by Michael Leeming, Cath Spencer, Alex Atherton and her mum Paula.

Paul Maguire, wife Elaine and son Sam visited London's Hyde Park to see the Pontiff.

The trips were organised by Father Peter Tierney, from St Mary's.

Meanwhile, pupils from St Bede's School, Blackburn, also travelled to Birmingham and attended a youth meeting in London on Friday during Pope Benedict's visit to Westminster Cathedral.

Steve Hedderman, chaplain at the school, said: “They all came back very excited.”

Senior students and staff at St Augustine’s School, Clitheroe, also joined in a Celebration of Education at St Mary’s College, Twickenham, where they heard the Pontiff.