A LEIGH vicar who describes himself as "an original Essex man" is retiring at the end of the month due to ill health.

Rev Terry Challis, priest in charge at Leigh Parish Church and St John's, Kirkhall Lane, suffered a heart attack in 2000.

He and his wife, June, who hails from Blackpool, will move to nearby Little Bispham, where he plans to enjoy his transport hobbies.

Born in Southend, Mr Challis started work with the International Bus Company there and moved to British Rail working from London's Liverpool Street for five years.

At 24 he started training for the ministry and was ordained at the age of 28. He came to Leigh in 1998.

Since he arrived in the town the 62-years-old father of two has seen improvements in the town centre since the drinks ban was imposed, the church floodlit and the launch of the Tower Appeal to raise over £130,000 to rebuilt and make safe the 15th century church landmark.

He said: "We have now broken the back of the appeal and work is expected to start in spring and take two to three months to complete.

"During my stay here I have met some good people and have been very happy."

The process of appointing his successor has begun.