FYLDE youngsters who enjoyed a weekend in London hosted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr George Carey, have returned to their churches with renewed faith.

Churchgoers from the Blackburn diocese, which included St Thomas' in Blackpool, St Chad's in Poulton and St Paul's in Marton among others, answered the Archbishop's invitation to spend The Time Of Our Lives celebrating the Millennium event for young Anglicans nationwide.

Weekend events included a welcome party at the Royal Albert Hall, a day of workshops and seminars on faith and contemporary issues, a jazz concert, a comedy review, worship in London's cathedrals and a garden party for 3,500 at Lambeth Palace.

Nineteen-year-old Emma Frost, who attends St Chad's, said: "The whole weekend was absolutely amazing. It was thoroughly well planned and thoroughly enjoyable.

"The event aimed to promote interest between the church and young people. I think it succeeded and was also good from an image point of view.

"Many people nowadays think that young people don't look to the church for guidance. Well the 6,000 young people who attended nationwide have just proved them wrong."

Diocese youth officer Rev Brian McConkey said: "All the young people were immensely encouraged. This weekend will help to set the agenda for the Church of England's work with young people in Lancashire for a considerable time."

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