WORSHIPPERS in Bolton gathered for one final service with their long-serving vicar at the weekend

Rev Canon Matt Thompson took to the Bolton Parish Church pulpit one last time on Sunday morning.

The Vicar of Bolton was saying goodbye before taking up a his new role as Dean of Birmingham.

Speaking after the service, he said: “It was as lovely as ever to share communion and very special that so many people have gathered to be here with me today.

“As I said in my sermon, I will always take a bit of Bolton with me.

“I have enjoyed a little last walk around the town centre this morning and looked at various places and things we have been involved with.

“In the Town Hall square we did so many things together with people of other faiths and churches, they were some really important times.

“The great thing about Bolton is people coming together to make the town a better place and I’m absolutely privileged to have been part of that.”

Originally from the West Midlands, Mr Thompson will officially take up the new role in September after 23 years in the Diocese of Manchester and nine years in Bolton.

He added: “It is a big challenge but very exciting. I am looking forward to getting to know them.”