Bishop rides 80 miles across diocese for charity

Bishop of Blackburn Philip North is raising money for churches which run workshops in South Africa

A cycling bishop who completed a bike ride of more than 80 miles (130km) across Lancashire said he also hoped his charity fundraising effort would help him "really catch a flavour of the diocese".

The Bishop of Blackburn, the Right Reverend Philip North, left Slyne in north Lancashire at 08:00 BST on Friday before riding through Lancaster, Preston, Chorley, Burnley and Accrington and finishing at Fence in Pendle nine hours later.

The ride was organised in aid of a fundraising appeal for churches which run a variety of workshops in South Africa.

Bishop North said: "I love cycling and I love Lancashire and there's no better way of seeing this fabulous county than on a bike."

'Gathering dust'

Asked how much preparation he had done for the ride, which included 14 stops at churches and schools, he said: "Absolutely none. My bike has been gathering dust since August!"

But he added: "It's a season of thanksgiving. We give thanks to God for his goodness, for the quality of our lives, for food, shelter, clothing and warmth.

"Saying thanks in your head isn't quite enough for Christians. We've got to express thanks through generosity, through giving."

The money raised will go to the Diocese of the Free State in South Africa, which has links with the Blackburn diocese.

It runs a number of projects including campaigns against gender-based violence, a ministry for boys and young men, and support for those training for priesthood.

In 2024, Bishop Philip helped to raise £23,000 for churches in Pakistan by visiting several Lancashire farms.

It is not yet known how much this year's event has raised.