IT was an emotional moment for the Rev Gerald Higham as he said farewell to his parishioners.

Nearly 200 churchgoers from Edenfield Parish Church and St Philip's Church in Stubbins attended Mr Higham's retirement party at Horncliffe Mansions on Sunday (September 28).

Mr John Arnott, church warden at St Philip's, said: "It was wonderful to see so many people from both parishes show their support for Mr Higham.

"His gifts included a tribute book embossed with his name in which parishioners had left messages. It was quite an emotional occasion. He shed a few tears."

The retiring vicar was also presented with a cheque for £1,100 for conservatory furniture and a bottle of his favourite malt whisky. Together with guests he enjoyed entertainment provided by Radcliffe Brass Band.

Mr Higham has been the vicar at St Philip's Church and Edenfield Parish Church for 19 years and is the last serving dedicated minister. Both churches will now fall under a team ministry, led by a number of local vicars.

The Archdeacon of Bolton, the Venerable John Applegate will be leading the service on October 12 at Edenfield Parish Church and the following Sunday (October 19) at St Philip's.