THE faithful at a Blackburn church joined their priest and his friends in the celebration of his 40th anniversary in the priesthood.

Father John O'Connor, of St Francis' Church, St Francis' Road, Feniscowles, led the festivities with a meal at the church hall.

Father O'Connor, 68, was ordained into the priesthood on December 23, 1962 at St Stephen's-on-the-Sea, in Blackpool, which was his first parish.

He has served all over the country, in Leeds, London, Teesside and Cumberland before settling in Blackburn six-years-ago.

Father O'Connor, who plans to retire in 18 months, said he had a great time at the party.

He said: "I really enjoyed it. Quite a few people turned up and those friends from around the country who couldn't make it sent messages."