The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, said he was very impressed by his visit to Craven on Friday.

He visited Austwick Primary – part of a confederation of three schools – and then moved on to Barnoldswick where he toured Rolls Royce’s Bankfield site before meeting people at the town’s Holy Trinity Church.

“In the schools and church projects I’ve visited in the diocese there is a consistent, underlying belief that everybody is known and valued and everybody has a responsibility,” said Dr Sentamu. “I’ve been very impressed by what I’ve seen.”

Accompanied by the Bishop of Bradford, the Right Rev Nick Bains, the Archbishop addressed around 100 youngsters from Austwick, Clapham and Horton-in-Ribblesdale schools before tucking into a lunch of sausages and mash and sticky toffee pudding, which as described as “the proper stuff”. He also enjoyed music from the confederation’s orchestra.

“It was a huge honour for us and recognition of the work we do together as a confederation,” said Gill Woods, headteacher of the three schools. “The children thought he was lovely, very jolly and interesting.

“It is great when we can bring the three schools together and celebrate the things we are really good at.”

Dr Sentamu then moved onto Barnoldswick, following an invitation to visit the town, issued five years ago, by Keith Whipp from the ecumenical group Hope Barlick.

“It was worth the wait,” said Mr Whipp. “It was a privilege to meet the Archbishop. He is a very humble person, who gave a great insight into the church and what we should be doing.”

Dr Sentamu toured the Rolls Royce facility that manufactures wide-chord fan blades for jet engines and met managers and workers.

“He was very interested and asked many questions,” said Mr Whipp.

Then it was off to Holy Trinity Church, where he was greeted by children from the town’s church school and blessed the foundation stone for their proposed new school which is due to open next year. He also took part in a question and answer session, attended by around 100 people.

“I think it was an excellent visit and it was good for Barlick,” added Mr Whipp.