THE Rev John Macaulay celebrated the 50th anniversary of becoming a vicar with a special service and lunch for more than 100 of his parishioners at St Helen’s Church in Hollinfare on Sunday.

John began his ministry as a curate at Christ Church, Padgate, in 1963 and became a parish priest in Wigan a year later.

He has been taking services and looking after the Hollinfare parish for the past two years.

He is chaplain to Wigan Rugby League Club and a case of wine was presented to John by churchwarden Alan Domville, a keen Warrington fan, who had wrapped it appropriately with primrose and blue paper.

A concert was given in the church the previous evening by the Salford Royal Choir, which raised more than £300 for church funds.