A retired Chorley-born vicar has died after falling while delivering a Christmas candle to a family near his home in Liverpool.

Rev Alan Bretherton, 83, who moved to Liverpool in 1949 as a curate at St George's Church, Fazakerley, died in hospital after the fall on December 14.

Born in Chorley in 1922 the clergyman later worked in the parish of St Chrysostom in Everton and St Mary's in Kirkdale. Rev Bretherton also spent seven years closer to Chorley while he was at Christ Church, Ince, near Wigan.

He retired in September, 1987, although he remained on the Church of England's general synod.

He also served as rural dean and as an honorary canon at Liverpool Cathedral.

Canon Bretherton retained permission to officiate since his retirement.

He married wife Phyllis in 1950 and brought up five children as well as providing a loving home to several foster children for nearly five decades.

Mr Bretherton donated his body to the Human Anatomy and Cell Biology Department of Liverpool University for medical research.

There will be a memorial Service for Rev Bretherton at Emmanuel Church, Fazakerley, on Wednesday, January 25, at 7pm.