A MUSICAL vicar is ready to take over his own parish in Leigh.

Rev Alan Saunders will be instituted at Christ Church in Pennington on Tuesday, after more than three years as a curate at St Peter’s Church in Bolton.

Mr Saunders, who is a member of Salford Symphony Orchestra, playing the trumpet, said: “I am looking forward to having my own parish, and the task will now be getting to know the town and the people of Leigh and working out how I can play a part in supporting what is already going on there.

“In this day and age, with all of the technology and distractions people have, you don’t get to know your neighbourhood as well as people used to.

“One of my passions is building relationships and helping people to work together.”

During his time in Bolton the 49-year-old has been involved in organising the church’s annual Party in the Park, tackled the world’s fastest zip line for charity and hit all the right notes as he played his trumpet alongside the AYF Ugandan Choir in a concert at the church.

At Mr Saunders’ last service earlier this month parishioners gave him cards and a set of crystal glasses.