A Vicar has been appointed the new Area Dean of Accrington.

Revd Ian Enticott, who runs the St James’ and St Paul’s churches in the town centre, will take over from Revd John Holland in Oswaldtwistle, who has stepped down to merge two parishes into one.

The announcement was made by the Bishop of Blackburn, the Rt Revd Julian Henderson, and came into effect on March 31.

Father-of-four Revd Enticott said the news came as a ‘bit of a surprise’ but is ‘looking forward to the challenge’.

He said: “It’s a Bishop’s appointment and it’s a great honour to be one of the clergy chosen.

“It was just a few weeks ago when I was asked to take on the role so it has happened very quickly.

“We were all pleased with John Holland who is the vicar in Oswaldtwistle and he did a great job over the last three years.

“However, he now wants to concentrate on forming those two parishes in Oswaldtwistle into one parish which they voted to do. He has stepped down from the role to concentrate his energies on that and the vacancy arose because of that.

“It came as a bit of a surprise as I have only been in this post for the past two years but I’m ready for the challenge. We have got a good team of clergy and hopefully I can continue the good work by John Holland.”

Revd Enticott, 56, who lives on Barnfield Street in Accrington, said he will still remain vicar of St James’ and St Paul’s and is excited about taking on the ‘extra responsibility’ of Area Dean.

He said: “It should be an interesting time. We have a vision to make sure our churches are engaging with mission for the 21st century and looking to promote Christianity in the region. One of the things they are looking at is offering leadership in mission within the deanery and trying to help all the clergy engage with mission in their parishes.

“It’s also about providing support and advice for other members of the clergy and trying to encourage good relations between the churches and other faiths.

“It is usually about a six-year appointment and it’s the next level down from an Archdeacon.”

A special service will be held at St James Church on Cannon Street on Monday, April 11 at 7.30pm conducted by the Bishop of Blackburn.

It will be attended by parishioners and clergy from across Hyndburn.