A SERVICE to recognise the contribution of a retired headteacher to the community and his former school is set to be staged next month.

Blackburn Cathedral will host the event in honour of David Whyte who stepped down from his role at St Wilfrid’s CE Academy in July, 2013, after more than 24 years at the school.

Mr Whyte was appointed headteacher in November, 2000, and saw the school rebuilt in Duckworth Street in 2004, and become an academy in July, 2011.

The service will be held on Sunday, April 19, from 4pm.

The preacher will be Canon Brendan Clover, senior provost of Woodard School and the Dean Emeritus, The Very Reverend David Frayne, will also contribute to the service.