A POPULAR Middlewich priest is leaving the town after eight years at St Mary's Church.

Father Geoff O'Grady, pictured above, will bid a fond farewell to the parish on Friday as he moves to St Albans in Wallasey.

This week he thanked his parishioners for their help and support.

He said: "I am very grateful for all the love, support, care and affirmation people have given me. St Mary's and St Margaret's in Holmes Chapel will always have a special place in my thoughts and affection.

"I have very pleasant memories of the time I have been here. Of course there have been sad times too - when parishioners have passed away - but the happy memories are far more plentiful.

"I am now moving on to a parish which is about twice the size of this one, but everyone is welcome to come and visit me and I'm sure I will pop back to see everyone in Middlewich again soon."

Fr Peter Dutton will be coming from Shropshire as the new priest for St Mary's and St Margaret's.

Father O'Grady's last mass at St Mary's will be tonight, Wednesday, at 7.30pm.

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