THE Bishop of Bolton will retire next year after seven years of service.

Rt Revd Chris Edmondson has announced that he will retire to Yorkshire on his 66th birthday, having been appointed Bishop of Bolton in 2008.

He said: “After much thought, prayer and consultation, I have decided that the time has come to retire with effect from 30 June 2016, the 43rd anniversary of my ordination.

“It has been the most enormous privilege to serve as Bishop of Bolton in this wonderful and diverse Diocese of Manchester, and I feel a deep sense of gratitude to God for our partnership in the Gospel here over the last seven and a half years.

"It’s been far from easy to come to this decision, and meanwhile there is much for me to engage in over the next few months as I continue to play my part in the life and ministry of the diocese.”

The Bishop of Manchester, David Walker, said: “Bishop Chris is a wonderful colleague to work with.

"I had admired his passion for mission and his loving care for clergy and lay people, from long before we were given the opportunity to minister together, here in the Diocese of Manchester.

"I will miss him greatly when he retires, but we will make the most of the next few months, while he is still with us.”

The Rt Revd Edmondson plans to hold a farewell and thanksgiving service at Bolton Parish Church on Pentecost Sunday on May 15 next year.

Following retirement, he and his wife Susan will live between Bradford and Leeds, where, as well as playing a part in a local church and the Diocese of West Yorkshire and the Dales, he intends to keep a closer eye on the fortunes of Bradford City Football Club and Yorkshire Cricket Club.