A ROMAN Catholic priest who resigned from his Bolton parish has been living at the home a divorced mother of three.

Families in Astley Road, Harwood, had no idea Father Martin Cleary was a priest until his resignation was revealed in the Bolton Evening News.

Father Cleary had spent much of his time at the house with Sue Burton and two of her children while continuing to carry out his duties as parish priest at St Joseph's Church in Halliwell.

He resigned last week for "personal reasons". Today he was unavailable and Mrs Burton declined to comment.

Neighbours said Mrs Burton, who is believed to be a nurse at the Royal Bolton Hospital, moved into the house in March or April and set about redecorating the property with Father Cleary.

Mrs Burton's two sons live with her and an elder daughter is believed to be living elsewhere.

Several nights a week Father Cleary's blue Toyota car has been seen parked outside the house, although he was not present at weekends.

"Every morning he left at twenty past six," said a neighbour, who added that the couple kept themselves to themselves and very rarely spoke to anyone else living in the road.

Father Cleary was seen leaving the house earlier this week with a holdall and was driven away. Mrs Burton remained at the house and yesterday her sister, who was answering the door to callers, said she was at work at the hospital.

Father Cleary, who grew up in Ireland and was ordained 19 years ago, has been in charge of St Joseph's Church for eight years, moving to the parish after working as a Bolton hospital chaplain.

During his time at the church he has overseen extensive renovation work at the building. Members of his congregation say they are shocked and saddened by the manner of his departure.

"No one had any idea what had been happening," said Ann Waterhouse, who has known Father Cleary since he first moved into the parish.

"I went to the children's mass at the end of term, which must have been his last one, and he gave nothing away. It broke my heart when he went, but nobody is perfect."

She added that the priest was well regarded in the area and would be missed.

"When my husband died five years ago he helped tremendously. He was very thoughtful and caring. I wish him well."

The Bishop of Salford, the Right Rev Terence Brian, accepted Father Cleary's resignation last week.

Parishioners were told in a parish newsletter he had resigned for personal reasons, but no details were given.

A spokesman for the bishop refused to comment about Father Cleary's relationship with Mrs Burton.