LOWTON ST MARY'S Church vicar, Rev Bob Britton has retired after 19 years service.

Members of the congregation and several clergy -- 300 people in total -- gathered at Lowton Civic Hall on Saturday April 27 to bid farewell to Bob and his wife Wynn.

Many tributes were paid in a 'This is Your Life at St Mary's' presentation, with others in verse and song. Gifts, including a stay in a luxury hotel, an inscribed plate, pen set, a bouquet of flowers and a cheque were presented by church wardens Kath Adams and David Kay.

A morning service of Holy Communion and Thanksgiving to mark the retirement was held on Sunday April 28. Open house in the church hall followed the service, where more presentations and good wishes for the future were made to Bob and Wynn.