The first female Vicar of Bolton is to take on the role after her appointment by the Bishop of Manchester.

Revd Hannah Lane is to take over from Revd Canon Dr Chris Bracegirdle after his retirement a year ago.

Born in Westhoughton, Revd Lane attended Canon Slade School, before becoming a teacher at schools including Rumworth Special School. She is a governor for primary schools and secondary schools across the area and a trustee for The Bishop Fraser Trust.

Currently she is the curate of the Turton Moorland Team covering Belmont, Bradshaw, Edgworth and Egerton but she is to become the vicar of St Peter's Bolton-le-Moors, also known as the Parish Church, and St Philip's Bolton-le-Moors on Bridgeman Street.

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Revd Lane said: "It has been an honour to serve my curacy in the Turton Moorland Team and I am sad to be leaving behind so many lovely people. I am excited for new challenges while feeling grateful for all I have learnt and for everyone I have met.

"I feel that the time is right for me to move on and that the team is at a point in its story where a new chapter is ready to begin. I make no secret about my rootedness in our town, and I am proud to have been able to start my ministerial career in the Turton Moorland Team and Bolton Deanery, and I am pleased I will be continuing to serve the borough in my new role”.

In her spare time Revd Lane is a member of various volunteer organisations including the Lancashire Border branch of Girlguiding UK. She plays in Astley Unlimited Band and sings in Astley Unlimited Choir.

She is married to Dean Lane with whom she has two Sealyham Terriers by the names of Griff and Oscar.

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Revd Lane said: "My faith is inspired by music so I am particularly pleased to be joining a centre renowned for its musical excellence. 

"My hope is that we can invite the people of the town to take part in all that the Parish Church and St Philip's Church have to offer."

The induction of Revd Lane is to be on a date to be determined but The Bolton News understands it is likely to be in several months.

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.