A CHURCH community is bidding farewell to its vicar after almost ten years of service.

Canon Matt Thompson, vicar of Bolton Parish Church and St Philip’s Parish Church, is leaving to become the Dean of Birmingham.

Last week an informal leaving celebration was held at Bolton Parish Church for him as his time in the town draws to an end.

Mr Thompson has now held his final service at St Philip’s and his final service at the parish church will be held on Sunday, August 13 at 10.30am, where he has been vicar since 2008.