The vicar of Bolton Parish Church will hold his last service on Sunday as he retires.

Canon Dr Chris Bracegirdle will retire  after five years service as the vicar of Bolton.

By the time he steps away on Sunday, he will be saying goodbye to a career in which he was ordained for 38 years, and much of that time he has been spent in and around the borough.

Cllr John Walsh OBE said: “We have a retirement service on Sunday at 3pm at Bolton Parish Church, everyone is invited.

“I don’t want to give too much away about what is happening, as we want to keep it a secret for him.

The Bolton News: Canon Chris Bracegirdle cuts a celebratory cake at his induction service in 2018Canon Chris Bracegirdle cuts a celebratory cake at his induction service in 2018 (Image: Newsquest)

“A large number of people will be coming from across Manchester Diocese.

“When he retires we will have to begin the process of appointing a new vicar. It will be an important appointment to replace Chris.”

Cllr Walsh continued: “He has done a wonderful job, within the parish but also in his wider role in the borough, and in education, as a former teacher.

“He filled a wide range of important functions, not just in the parish but in Bolton as well, and his loss will be a large one to fill.

“He has been a joy to work with. We will all miss him enormously, and for that reason I wish him a long and happy retirement.”