THE long-serving youth pastor of an East Lancashire church is moving on.

Jo Pellet has spent 18 years working with young people in Clitheroe, 14 of them at the church of St James in the town.

She said she will miss her ministry and said it was important to give young people the freedom to try new things and even fail in the attempt.

Ms Pellet said: "I have had the incredible privilege of serving the young people in my community of Clitheroe for 18 years, over 14 of which have been employed by my church.

“I will miss operating within this role, but I hope I am leaving a legacy in our church and in the lives of individual young people over the years - a legacy based on love, acceptance, encouragement, challenge, experience and opportunity.

"It is about giving young people the freedom to try new things and sometimes fail, but learn and be encouraged, and get back up again and a mutual understanding relationship must always take priority over task."