But Paul Wilson wasn't there to judge - only to listen to the man's story.

"You can never underestimate the wrong a person can do, but it gave me the opportunity to put my beliefs into practice," he said.

A year earlier Paul had quit his highly-paid job as a to join the church.

Today he's the full-time minister of Knutsford's Methodist Church.

Paul, though, had learned what it meant to care for others after his dad, Harry, died.

He was just four years old.

Harry's death left mum Doris to care for her young son and daughter Linda.

"It made life difficult for us growing up," said Paul.

"There is a stigma attached to people who receive free school meals, but I think the other children actually just felt sorry for me."

Paul liked football, but loved performing on stage.

The youngster enjoyed an illustrious 'career' and sang in countless concerts until his voice broke - midway through a solo spot.

"Not only was it embarrassing, but it also meant the end of my soprano singing career," he said.

But music remained a passion for the boy from Oldham - thanks to an inspirational teacher named Dave Smith.

"He taught me how to feel the music when I played and gave me the confidence to perform in public," said Paul.

At , he left Cheltenham Grammar School - a place where he'd met so many children from all walks of life.

Among his friends was a Maori, who told stories of playing with lion cubs.

"He really made me see life from a different perspective and appreciate the culture we live in," said Paul.

At , he left Chester College with a BA in liberal studies in science and music - and a steady girlfriend.

He got a job in London working for Royal Mail and soon became the company's youngest senior manager.

His responsibilities - as manager of the biggest postal district in Britain - were immense, but he stayed seven years.

Then in 1987, three years after marrying girlfriend Karen, he felt his calling - to join the church.

Both knew it would mean a great upheaval, but they faced the future with hope, faith and clarity.

Three years later, Paul graduated with a bachelor in dieity in and they moved to Christ Church in Colshaw, Wilmslow.

There, he helped to form a unique partnership between the Methodist and Anglican Church and his congregation grew from five to 54.

He also enjoyed his work as chaplain to Cheadle Royal Psychiatric Hospital, caring for those with Alzheimer's disease.

Through his work, he developed an understanding of the disease which helped him to realise his mum also had the illness.

"The first time I visited the hospital I came away in tears, so to be the one who realised my mother had Alzheimer's was horrible," he said.

His mother later died, but Paul continued his work as a minister.

He is settling into his new home in Glebelands Road, Knutsford, with Karen and their three children, Timothy, Matthew and Rebecca.

"It would be good to see all the churches in the area work together and form a partnership with the other denominations," said Paul.

Andrew Moores. Lift long-term graphics

"I hope that anyone can come to me because of the things I have seen and done."

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