NEIGHBOURS laid on a street party for an American couple returning home after five happy years in Bolton.

Tim and Jenny Kangas were guests of honour at the farewell party on Saturday in Victoria Grove.

Mrs Sharon Whelan, aged 28, was one of the group of six neighbours who organised the surprise party.

She said: "The couple have been involved in charity work and have done a lot for the community, particularly at St Luke's Church on Chorley Old Road.

"I think they have decided to move on because they have done as much as they can here.

"Tim and Jenny are well known and well liked by the local community. We couldn't have met better neighbours."

Jenny, aged 27, said: "We have loved it here but found it really different at first.

"We love the people and the place has really grown on us and become home."

Tim, aged 31, has been involved in the Ambassadors in Sport scheme here. The scheme is growing in popularity and an increasing number of English people are involved in running it.

Tim is a soccer coach and has worked with people of all ages in prisons and schools throughout the community.

Sharon added: "I think they are leaving with mixed feelings and were getting a bit emotional when the removal van came to take their things."

The couple will spend a few months in Portland, Oregon where Tim comes from. Jenny is from Jamestown, New York.

Then they will set off to work as Christian Evangelical missionaries in Cambodia.

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