CHURCHGOERS in Bolton have welcomed a clergyman in a 10 gallon hat all the way from the Lone Star state.

The Rev Douglas Smith has swapped his parish near Houston, Texas, to keep the faith in Bolton.

He will be responsible for four churches -- Christ Church, Mytham Road, Little Lever; St Catherine's, Highfield Road, Farnworth; Kearsley Mount, Bolton Road, Kearsley, and Trinity Church, Bury Road, Bolton.

The area's first American minister admits life in Bolton will be an "enjoyable challenge," and is looking forward to bringing a touch of the USA to his parishioners. Some of his 200 parishioners greeted him at Manchester Airport.

Mr Smith, aged 51, and a father of two, said: "I am looking forward to the challenge.

"I think this is where God wants me to be. I want to tell all my parishioners to keep the faith and thanks for being so welcoming!

"We had to leave a lot behind us to take up our new place in a new country but I am sure we are going to enjoy it.

"Bolton was a bit of a culture shock but I was very impressed. People here are wonderful and friendly and even the climate is good!"

The Rev Smith enjoyed his first church service at Little Lever's Christ Church on Sunday - and admitted it raised a few eyebrows.

He said: "One parishioner said my message was presented in a very unorthodox manner but very compelling and enjoyable. And I certainly enjoyed that.

"They are getting used to my accent and I am getting used to theirs."

The Rev Smith and his family, wife Diane, eight-year-old daughter Madelyn and son Spencer, aged six, both now pupils at Mytham County Primary School, Little Lever, arrived in Bolton a month ago.

They have spent their time since then settling in and enjoying trips around the country, including Chester, Yorkshire and Manchester.

The minister was chosen from a host of applicants who wanted to travel to England to take up ministerial positions.

The position within the Farnworth circuit became free and the Rev Smith, a former corporate lawyer who turned to the church in 1997, said he was thrilled to accept.

Preaching

He said: "I started with pastoral care then progressed to Bible studies before preaching and entering seminary college for three years.

"It was a totally different type of adventure.

"I am definitely looking forward to life in Bolton and I hope I enjoy my time here and the parishioners enjoy it too."