A ROMAN Catholic priest has disappeared after unexpectedly resigning from his post.

Father Martin Cleary -- parish priest at St Joseph's RC Church in Horace Street, Halliwell -- told parishioners of his decision to quit the parish last week.

Today church officials revealed the priest had resigned for personal reasons.

And parishioners said they had heard about Father Cleary's resignation in a parish newsletter.

Father Cleary had been at St Joseph's for eight years and during that time he has overseen extensive renovation work.

Money raised has been spent on decorating, rewiring and a new damp proof course.

Father Cleary had also revealed how he had plans to continue the renovation work in the coming years.

But today his whereabouts were unknown.

And parishioners remained tight-lipped over the reasons behind his shock resignation.

One said: "Father Cleary was very popular. This has come as a great shock to us all.

"I was never aware of any personal problems, but do know he came into conflict from time to time over recent months with the church hierarchy in this area."

It is not known whether he has resigned from the priesthood or just the parish.

A spokesman for the Right Rev Terence Brain, Bishop of Salford, said yesterday: "Father Martin Cleary has resigned as parish priest for personal reasons. The Bishop accepted his resignation last week."

Father Cleary was ordained in 1983.