A PROMINENT minister has resigned after a “serious complaint” was made against him.

The Rev Phil Mason is now banned from preaching in any part of the Methodist Church in Britain.

Mr Mason, formerly of Bolton Methodist Mission, handed in his notice almost exactly a year after he ceased his duties at Victoria Hall, in Knowsley Street.

The church has refused to disclose the nature of the allegation, but has confirmed it does not involve children and the police have not been involved.

Mr Mason said: “It is with great sadness that I have resigned as a Methodist minister.

“I am very grateful for all the support I have received from friends and family during this period.”

Mr Mason said he could not discuss the nature of the claim against him.

Worshippers at Victoria Hall were informed of Mr Mason’s departure on Sunday.

A church spokesman said: “As a result of disciplinary procedures, the Rev Philip Mason has offered his resignation as a Methodist minister, which has been accepted by the President of the Methodist Conference.

“Philip remains a member of the Methodist Church but will not be permitted to serve as a preacher.

“We cannot discuss the nature of the serious complaint that was made against him and we ask that people respect Philip and his family’s privacy during this time.

“We understand this has been a difficult time not only for them, but for our church family as well, and support has been offered to those affected by this matter.”

An announcement was made last June, saying Mr Mason had ceased his duties due to stress and personal circumstances.

But in September, 2010, it came to light that the minister had been suspended pending an internal investigation into the complaint.

Mr Mason has also served as Bolton Wanderers’ club chaplain.

He most recently said a prayer at the club’s Player of the Year Awards on Sunday, although it is understood this was not done in an official capacity.

The Methodist Church said Mr Mason’s resignation, which was accepted late last week, came before the complaint procedures had reached their conclusion.