PRESTON is to have its own city 'cathedral' as the Bishop of Blackburn plans to make St John The Divine Church, on Church Street a minster.

The present building has been on the site since the nineteenth century, the tower since 1814 and the body since 1854. It will now be the official church of the city for the citizens of Preston. The Bishop of Blackburn, Alan Chesters, said: "In order to recognise the new city status of Preston we need a minster for the people of Preston to engage in civic life.

"The church has been closed for repair work. When it's finally finished we will have a special service in recognition of this, probably some time next spring."

The site of St John The Divine is thought to have been used for a church since as far back as the eighth century and the adjacent graveyard is said to contain several memorials of interest.

Preston Mayor, Councillor Jonathan Saksena, said: "It's clearly in recognition of Preston's city status, which we worked so hard to achieve. This should be the first of many such acknowledgements."

The church has many interesting features such as The Mollie Aspinall Room, Nave, North Aisle, Chancel, Sanctuary and Lady Chapel.

The name was changed from St Wilfred to St John in the Reformation period and the church has a reputation for many outstanding Ministers. The current minister is Canon Martyn Griffiths.