The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, was visiting two Craven communities today.

He spent the morning at Austwick Church of England Primary – part of a confederation of three schools – before heading to Barnoldswick in the afternoon.

The Bishop of Bradford, the Right Rev Nick Baines, said: “The Archbishop of York will bring a very particular perspective to the life of this diocese. I look forward to introducing him to some wonderful people and places.”

He was due to arrive in Austwick at 11.15am where he will meet pupils and staff from the three confederation schools – Austwick, Clapham and Horton-in-Ribblesdale.

He also listened to the confederation orchestra and tuck into a school lunch.

“The confederation has made huge steps forward this year, with the introduction of an after school club, sports club and orchestra, as well as its own minibus, and it is lovely that the archbishop can come and celebrate our achievements with us,” said confederation headteacher Gill Woods.

He was then to travel to Barnoldswick, stopping at Rolls-Royce where he was to meet managers and shop floor workers for a tour of the Bankfield facility.

“He wants to see how Rolls-Royce influences the local economy,” said Keith Whipp, who, as a member of Hope Barlick, first invited the Archbishop to visit the town five years ago.

After leaving Bankfield, Dr Sentamu will move onto the town’s Holy Trinity Church where he will chat to local people and will bless a foundation stone, presented by children from Barnoldswick CE Primary School, for their proposed new school building which is due to open next year.

Originally the meeting had been due to take place at the Rainhall Centre, but had to be changed because of a lack of space.

“The archbishop is due to arrive at Holy Trinty at about 3.10pm and everyone is invited along,” said Mr Whipp.

“This is an exciting opportunity to meet John Sentamu – you could say it is a chance in a lifetime.”

And Barnoldswick vicar, the Rev Diane Weaver, added: “We are absolutely delighted that the archbishop is visiting the town.”