HUNDREDS of people packed in to Bolton Parish Church to say a fond farewell to the Bishop of Bolton, who will retire next month.

Friends, family, colleagues and those who have come into contact with the Rt Rev Chris Edmondson paid tribute to the work he has done over the past eight years during a special service.

Bishop Chris will officially retire on June 30 — the 43rd anniversary of his ordination and his 66th birthday but the service, which coincided with the Feast of Pentecost, gave him a chance to address all those he has worked with and served in his time in Bolton.

An emotional Bishop Chris said he was “thrilled and humbled” to see so many people come to wish him well, but added that he was sad to say goodbye to a role he has cherished.

He said: “I have loved being the Bishop of Bolton, it has been a real privilege.

“So there is a mixture of emotions today, because there is a sense of loss and of sadness at saying goodbye.

“But there is also a sense of gratitude, to God and to the people who I have served for the past eight years.”

He said he is also starting to look to the future now, adding: “I am looking ahead to what adventures God has in store for me now.”

Bishop Chris — who was joined by Bishops from across the region and dressed in traditional robes — said he was overwhelmed with the turnout for the service.

He said: “I am deeply humbled and really very thrilled to see al of these people here today.

“It is great to see colleagues, members of different churches and people from across my public and civic life.”

As another special tribute, local brewery Bank Top has produced a special ‘Bishop Chris’ ale, which was presented to him before the service.