A LONG-STANDING plumber is swapping his toolbox for a dog collar on his 60th birthday as he prepares to be ordained a priest, writes Nadia Jefferson-Brown.

After decades of working with U-bends and pipes, The Rev John Brockbank, of Arnside, hopes to pave the way for his son in the family firm as his own life takes on a new direction.

Mr Brockbank, whose grandfather Fred established the family business in 1904, took over from his father Stanley in 1965 and now works alongside his son Phil, aged 31.

Explaining his passion for plumbing and all it entails, he said: "I love the cut and thrust of it.

I love designing, going to see people and transforming a house.

I get a buzz from it - always will I think.

"I'm not so keen on the practical side.

I just love seeing people and changing things through being creative.

But it is time for new blood, it is time for Phil to come to the fore."

The 59-year-old will be ordained a priest in the Church of England on September 30 at Barrow's St Luke's Church - the day he turns 60.

Mr Brockbank, a father-of-two, has lived in Arnside all his life and shares a home with his wife Lesley.

He was ordained a deacon last September, and is now an integral part of Arnside's local ministry team with The Rev Laurence Shutt and Ellie Maguire, a licensed reader.

"I have felt very privileged for many years as a Christian," he said.

"I go into a lot of homes in Arnside and see people as they are, not how they present themselves, and I think that will develop as a priest.

People know me, they trust me and

share with me.

It is really quite humbling."