The Bishop of Bolton is set to retire this winter after almost seven years of service.
The Rt Reverend Mark Ashcroft has announced he will retire as the Bishop of Bolton in February next year.
Bishop Mark, as he is better known, was ordained in Manchester Diocese in 1982 and consecrated Bishop of Bolton at York Minster in 2016.
He will turn 68 later this year, with the exact details of his retirement to be announced in due course.
The Diocese of Manchester said "your prayers for him and his family are appreciated over the coming months".
Read: New Bishop of Bolton 'thrilled and honoured' to take on key role
Originally from Cheltenham, Bishop Mark had previously served as the Archdeacon of Manchester and as Residentiary Canon of Manchester Cathedral.
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