A CONGREGATION gathered to honour a man who helped keep their church running smoothly for more than half a century.
A special service and presentation marked the retirement of John Kidson after 52 years as verger at St Anne's, Fence.
Mr Kidson, 85, decided to make way for a younger man after a marathon period in which he has served with eight vicars.
The retired market gardener, who helped St Anne's win the award for the best kept churchyard in the Blackburn diocese in 1978, intends to remain active - not least by riding around the village on his new motorbike!
He also expects to be called on to honorary verger's duties from time to time.
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