A PARISH priest is set to carry out his 50th and final Christmas Fayre before his retirement.

St James the Less RC Church in Burnley Road, Rawtenstall will host the festive event on Sunday from 12:30pm to 4pm.

It will be parish priest Canon David Lupton’s 50th and final Christmas Fayre as he has announced his retirement.

After celebrating his 50 years of priesthood in May he has decided to step down before Lent 2018 and the parishioners will welcome a new priest to St James The Less.

Canon Lupton served as a curate at the church from 1977 to 1984 when he then went to St Joseph’s Accrington.

He returned to St James The Less as parish priest in 1993 and has ministered there for the last 24 and a half years.

A spokesman for the church said: "Come along to celebrate and enjoy the Christmas Fayre with Canon Lupton and Father Christmas.

"All are very welcome to attend.

"Canon Lupton will for the last time bless the Crib and Christmas tree."

On offer at the event will be raffles and tombolas alongside a variety of stalls selling toys, books and Christmas gift ideas.

A licensed bar and fun fair stall will also be available for guests.