A popular priest has paid tribute to the people of Chorley after being given his first permanent appointment.

The Reverend Toby Webber has been curate at Chorley Parish Church of St Laurence for the past three-and-a-half years and his ministry has been much valued by all at the church.

Rev Webber, 30, who is single, has now completed his curacy and has been appointed as priest in charge of St Aidan, Bamber Bridge. He will leave Chorley at the beginning of March.

Rev Webber, who is originally from the Dartmoor area of Devon, now lives on Park Road, Chorley. He studied for the priesthood at Wycliffe College, Oxford, before becoming curate a St Laurence's.

He said: "I have enjoyed working in Chorley at St Laurence's. It is a place steeped in a rich history, but it is also very forward thinking.

"It was a particular pleasure for me to work with various groups associated with the church, such as schools and the air cadets.

"The rector, John Cree has also been a great mentor to me.

"I'm excited about the prospect of moving to St Aidan.

"There is construction of new buildings going on at the church at the moment and that will be a challenge for the first few months.

"I'll certainly be keeping in touch with all my friends from Chorley though."

Rev Cree said: "Toby was a great support to St Laurence during his curacy and developed a close rapport with the congregation and other groups associated with the church."

Rev Webber's licensing at St Aidan will be on Wednesday, March 29.