IT will be the end of an era for Winwick this Sunday when the Rev Bob Lewis gives his last service at St Oswald’s Church.

The Rev Lewis has spent nearly 15 years on Golborne Road after moving from Newchurch in Culcheth and All Saints in Glazebury.

The 55-year-old spent six years looking after both churches after coming to Warrington from his home city of Liverpool.

During his time in Winwick he has also become the area dean of Winwick Deanery and vicar for St Helens Hollinfare and again at All Saints in Glazebury.

He said: “The parish has doubled in size since I have been here, with the sale of Winwick Hospital and the houses built on that site.

“We have an 8am prayer service and 10am modern service with about 120 people and between 20 to 30 children in church on Sunday.

“It has been terrific. There are some really good people here and a great community spirit.”

The vicar and his family are now set to return to their roots when he becomes chaplain to Liverpool University and Liverpool John Moores students, living in the grounds of the city’s Anglican cathedral.

Before his last service Mr Lewis, his wife Pauline and their children Sophie and Mark have taken a holiday in Cornwall.

It is a break that marks the couple’s 30th wedding anniversary – after marrying all those years ago by coincidence at St Oswald’s in Netherton!

He added: “The last service will be very emotional for all of us.

“Although this is a wonderful opportunity and a new challenge for us it is a great wrench to leave so many friends and we will always have incredibly fond memories of our time here.”

On Sunday there will be no 10am service. The last service will be held at 5.30pm, followed by a get together at Winwick Leisure Centre from 7pm to 9pm.