FAMILY, friends and well-wishers packed Blackburn Cathedral for a service of thanksgiving for former Provost -- The Very Rev Lawrence Jackson.

Civic dignitaries and leading clergy from Lancashire and further afield also attended the service, remembering the life of Mr Jackson, who was Provost between 1973 and 1992. He died in November aged 76.

Paying tribute the Dean of Blackburn, The Very Rev Christopher Armstrong, said: "The confidence which Lawrence placed in his calling led him to exercise a remarkable and daring priestly ministry. Lawrence was moved by his love for people. We meet to express our thanks for a fallible human being who shared his love, wit and his weaknesses."

Coinciding with the service, the youngest of Mr Jackson's eight grandchildren, nine-month-old Benjamin Lawrence Paul, of Witton, was christened at the Cathedral. His mum is Lucy Jackson, was joined by sisters Charlotte, Deborah and Rachel, who came over from Saudi Arabia.

Mr Jackson's widow Faith said: "The service was perfect. To have the christening here is wonderful and my grandson is named after Lawrence which is nice."

When Mr Jackson was installed as Provost in 1973 the town prepared for a lively surprise as he brought a reputation as an extrovert who did not fit the popular view of the clergy. The Yorkshireman made an impact in Lancashire, blasting vandals for making the town centre an eyesore and campaigning on issues such as education, violence, loyalty and public services.

He had a reputation as a witty public speaker which won him an award in 1990 from the National Association of Toastmasters.