ST MARGARET'S Church in Prestwich celebrated an important anniversary for its vicar, the Rev Martin Ashworth.

Monday, June 13 marked the 40th anniversary of his ordination as a priest by Bishop William Greer.

Friends, family and parishioners joined Rev Ashworth for a special anniversary service, along with the Mayor and Mayoress of Bury, Coun Steve Treadgold and his wife, Jean.

Rev Ashworth has spent the past 22 years at St Margaret's, in St Margaret's Road, a time which he looks back on with fondness.

He said he was thankful that his ministry had been sustained by parishioners' ministry in him, which he said they had done "in prayer and worship, in love and friendship, in kindness and patience and in the sharing of responsibility and work."

Before coming to St Margaret's, Rev Ashworth worked at William Temple, in Wythenshawe, then at St Anne's, in Haughton, Denton.

Members of both parishes joined him for the service on Monday.

Rev Ashworth said all his ministries had lasted longer than the average stay due to the fact that he made his home within the parish and did not see any position as a temporary one.

He said: "I must confess that in the beginning I couldn't see why I had been sent to Prestwich, but as time went on I realised that I had a contribution to make. I have found it a fulfilling and rewarding time."