A LANCASHIRE bishop was only too glad to end his time among the angels as he abseiled down a church tower.

God may have created heaven and earth - but the Bishop of Burnley was convinced which he preferred after taking part in the 100-foot plunge at St John's in Whittle-le-Woods, near Chorley.

The Right Rev Philip North had agreed to be the guest of honour at the Preston Road church, to kickstart a series of descents to fund roof repairs at the 185-year-old place of worship.

Mr North, after completing his abseil, said: "That was absolutely, ridiculously terrifying. It was so scary I cannot believe it.

"They kept saying to me 'look at the views'.

"But it was so scary because I was just hanging on a bit of string, 100 feet up on a church tower.

"I am just glad to be back on the earth. I can see now why God made us to walk on the ground."

The bishop had previously spoken of his apprehension, having had a glimpse of the kind of height he would be dealing with while preparing for the drop earlier.

But the Anglican leader, a confirmed Arsenal football fan and adopted Burnley FC supporter, must know all about dizzying highs and sheer drops after the last Premier League season and FA Cup.

Church council member Anne Harris said: "Our church building needs a complete overhaul, which requires a lot of money, so this event is set to make a vital contribution to the fundraising for that work."

Firefighters from Lancashire's search and rescue team were also on hand to demonstrate how they operate and a barbecue and refreshments were also laid on for the church supporters who followed the bishop down the rope.