A VICAR who has served the same parish for 32 years is retiring in the middle of May.

Canon Bryan Robinson has seen generations pass through St Andrews Church, Burnley.

He has married couples then gone on to baptise their children and even grandchildren.

He said: "There have been many happy times and I have made a lot of friends over the years and have been involved with many joyous occasions."

Canon Robinson will conduct his last service at St Andrew's with St Margaret's Church at 10am on May 18 and it will be followed by a buffet for parishioners.

He was ordained in 1958 and served his curacy in Fleetwood.

His parish in Burnley was expanded five years ago to include St James' in Stoneyholme, and three years ago he was made an Honorary Canon.

He also served as Rural Dean for Burnley from 1985 to 1991.

Canon Robinson, a bachelor, will retire to Simonstone and hopes to spend more time walking.

He will still provide cover in East Lancashire churches for for illness and holidays.

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