A MUSICAL vicar is ready to bid a fond farewell to Bolton, as he prepares to take over his own parish.

The Rev Alan Saunders will be instituted at Christ Church Pennington, in Leigh, on November 1, after more than three years as a curate at St Peter's Church, in Halliwell.

During his time in Bolton, the 49-year-old has been involved in organising the church's annual Party in the Park, tackled the world's fastest zip wire for charity, and hit all the right notes as he played trumpet alongside the AYF Ugandan Choir in a concert at the church.

Mr Saunders, who is a member of Salford Symphony Orchestra, said: "One of the big highlights of my time here has definitely been the Party in the Park.

"It was brilliant to see how the vision for that has grown from being a small church event into something for the whole community.

"My hope is that, having planted the seeds and helping get it established, it will continue to flourish long into the future.

"I love people and I love community. I think church can play a big part in helping strengthen and support communities.

"In this day and age, with all of the technology and distractions people have, you don't get to know your neighbourhood as well as people used to.

"One of my passions is building relationships and helping people to work together."

Mr Saunders held his last service in Halliwell earlier this month, when parishioners said goodbye with cards and the gift of a set of crystal glasses.

He added: "I'm looking forward to having my own parish, and the task will now be getting to know the town and the people of Leigh and working out how I can play a part in supporting what is already going on there.

"I really love the people of Halliwell and will really miss them. It has been a special three and a half years."