A FORMER Bolton salesman has packed in his day job to work as a missionary in America for the next two years.

Barney Cook, aged 19, is following in the footsteps of his four older brothers, who have all served as missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Barney, of Higher Dunscar, Egerton, flew to Utah, where he will preach the Mormon message and work in the community in an area spanning more than 350 square miles.

The former Turton School pupil has spent the past year working as a salesman to save half of the £7,000 he will need while he is working as a volunteer.

His parents donated the other £3,500.

Before he left, Barney, a keen footballer who was on Oldham Athletic's books when he was at primary school, said: "I'm really excited about going to America and speaking to the people there about my beliefs.

" I can't wait to get out there and get on with it.

"As well as being a minister and preaching, I'll also be serving local people, which will be fantastic."

Barney's older brothers, Jacob, Tim, Charles and Joseph, have all taken part in the two-year missionary projects.

Jacob, aged 28, served in the Germany Dussledorf mission; Tim, aged 26, in the London South mission; Charles, aged 22, in the Scottish Edinburgh mission; and Joseph, aged 20, is currently serving in the Belgium and Netherlands mission, where he will remain until August next year.Barney's brothers-in-law, Joseph Hoyle and Matthew Preston, are also missionaries.

Barney's father, Martin, who is also the bishop of the Mormon church in Bolton, served as a missionary in France and Switzerland when he was 19.

Bishop Cook said: "It's amazing to me that, at an age when most young men are pre-occupied with cars, girls and earning money, the young people of our church have such enthusiasm to put all those things on one side for two years to serve the Lord.

"Barney's great love is soccer and he will greatly miss playing the game, as he does now.

"However, he plans to use his leisure time to share his skills and love for the game as well as his beliefs."