A POPULAR reverend has told parishioners that his retirement will not be their final farewell.

Rev. Stephen Fletcher, 63, will be leaving his role as team Rector at Holy Trinity Church, Horwich, later today.

The Fletchers moved to the rectory almost 19 years ago, and in that time have come to think of the parish as part of the family.

He said: "In many ways, the church is like a family to us. It's been our family for all the time we've been here.

"The people are what’s made it, they’ve been a big source of happiness for me and I hope I have been the same for them.

"This isn't the final farewell, we'll still be able to pop back to see our daughter.

“I’ve really loved it, it’s been a joy and a privilege to work in Bolton."

Rev. Fletcher was a vicar in Kersal for 13 years before being approached with the opportunity to move to Horwich.

He has worked hard during his time with the team, focusing on Rivington Parish Church and Holy Trinity whilst his colleagues lead St Catherine's, and St Elizabeth's.

Rev. Fletcher will be moving up to Leyland with his wife Anne, a probation officer at HMP Wymott.

Although the 63-year-old has taken early retirement from his role for health reasons, he does not intend to stop his work with the church and is hoping to get involved with his new parish.

He added: "We meet people at such significant times of their lives, when families are welcoming a new baby, or two families are joining, or people are saying goodbye to a loved one.

"I sat down and figured out that I must have led over 500 funerals, which is a lot of contact with a lot of families.

"It has been a privilege to be there at really important times for people.

Although it is customary for members of the clergy to stay away from their parish to allow their successor to form a relationship with parishioners, Rev. Fletcher has been given special permission to return.

He said: "The Bishop of Manchester has given Anne and I special permission to come back for a belated farewell service.

"This is quite unusual, normally you have to wait to be invited back to the parish by your successor before making a visit.

"Some of the parish might also see us around Horwich pushing one of our grandchildren around in a pram from time to time too.

"Our second bundle of joy arrives in June and it will take more than a Bishop's ruling to keep us from them."

A new team Rector for the church to replace Rev. Fletcher has not yet been announced.