PARISHIONERS of St Mary's RC Church and everyone at St Mary's Primary School, Chipping, are mourning the loss of their recently retired Parish Priest Father Alfred Hughes.

Father Hughes came to Chipping in 1994 and retired due to ill health in January 2002.

He had suffered from a serious heart condition for a number of years and was taken ill suddenly whilst out walking with his brother.

His funeral was led by the Bishop of Salford, the Rt Rev Terence Brain. Father Hughes was laid to rest at St Mary's cemetry in Wardley.