Rev Sharon Jones becomes an Honorary Canon of the Cathedral

Sharon with the retiring Bishop of Manchester, the Rt Rev Nigel McCulloch

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The Rev Sharon Jones from St Andrew's, Dearnley was one of three clergy from around the diocese to be collated and installed as an Honorary Canon of the Cathedral on Sunday 13 January.

Bishop Nigel McCulloch, who has now retired, said of Sharon: "I do believe we first met in prison" - a reference to that part of her ministry which she spent as a prison chaplain.

He went on to outline how she had involved herself in social issues surrounding prison life and also spoke of her missionary work in Kenya and, more recently, her work in Namibia as well as the excellent progress she was making in her 'day job' as priest-in-charge at St Andrew's.

A packed Cathdedral, including many worshippers from St Andrew's there to support their vicar, celebrated Evensong, led by Bishop Nigel, but also involving the Very Rev Rogers Govender, Dean of Manchester.

Civic dignitaries from the around the diocese were present, including the Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor James Gartside, and Councillor Ashley Dearnley, a lifelong worshipper at St Andrew's.