A LONGRIDGE priest described as a ‘community stalwart’ is celebrating his golden jubilee.

Father Paul Mitcheson, who has served at St Wilfrid’s Roman Catholic Church, Derby Road, for 22 years will be celebrating with a special mass.

The 73-year-old who is also a governor at St Cecelia’s School in Chapel Hill and chair of the Churches Group Together in the town, said it he was looking forward to the celebrations.

He said: “During my time here I have tried to help as many people as possible and I hope that I have provided a good service to all the parishioners of Longridge.

“I feel happy that I have done what God intended me to do.”

A Golden Jubilee Celebratory Mass will be held at the church on June 14 where parishioners will present Father Paul with a new gold cope to celebrate 50 years of ordination to the priesthood.

Father Paul said he had seen many changes over the years in the Ribble Valley town.

He said: “It was a village when I came and now it’s a country town.

“There has been a lot of building and many new supermarkets which is a shame for the local shopkeepers who have found it difficult.

“The parishioners have also changed in terms of many people will travel from further afield to come to a mass.”

Born in Derbyshire, Father Paul was ordained at the age of 23 and served at a church in Salford for 28 years before moving to Longridge.

A mass will be held at the church at 7pm followed by a reception ate Ferrari’s Country House Hotel, Thornley with Wheatley, at 8.30pm.