A VICAR is hanging up his dog collar after 20 years in the job -- and looking forward to fishing for salmon instead of souls.

The Rev Frank Parr, 66, who now lives in Tunstall, near Lancaster, but worked for 11 years in Accrington and Oswaldtwistle, has announced his retirement after seeing out his career at a rural ministry in Tunstall.

The Rev Parr was ordained two decades ago after he gave up a career as an engineer at Mullards in Padiham. He will read his final sermon on October 31.

Back in 1979, he was working as a volunteer at St Leonard's Church, Padiham, and enjoyed is so much, he embarked on a career change at 46 by studying at Lincolnshire Theological College. After his three year course and a two-year spell as curate at St Leonard's, the newly qualified vicar took over at St Andrew's church, Accrington.

Three years later he became vicar of Immanuel Church in Oswaldtwistle, where he stayed for eight years.

He said: "My years in Hyndburn were very happy. The people are straightforward and friendly and I still keep up to date with what is happening over there, especially in Oswaldtwistle.

"But after eight years in Oswaldtwistle, I had done what I wanted to do, so I moved out to Tunstall.

"Though I miss the people, myself and my wife Mabel, who is also retiring as a church reader, are looking forward to some freedom. We are buying a caravan and will enjoy ourselves fishing for salmon, instead of souls.

"I have received cards ad messages from people in Oswaldtwistle and would like to express my thanks to them."

The Rev Parr has some ideas about how to tackle diminishing congregations affecting many different faiths in the UK.

He said: "I think lay participation is going to be a key for the future.

"Many people have gifts and powers which could be of great use to the church in informal and formal settings.

"I think there will be fewer church buildings and in their place, the church will meet in community centres. Even church services in pubs might meet a need."