A MAN who married scores of Accrington couples has retired after 34 years' service.
Bob Parker, 63, had been superintendent registrar for Hyndburn since 1984 and conducted more than 8,000 weddings during his working life.
Bob, who is married to Joan, was originally based in Haslingden before transferring to the office on Willow Street, Accrington, in 1989.
He said: "From about 1996, people began having civil ceremonies in approved places including hotels so I ended up working seven days a week.
"When people are getting married it can be an ordeal so I used a bit of humour to get them to relax and put people at their ease."
Bob said the job had been a big part of his life over the years. When on holiday with his wife, he often had couples recognise him and regale him with tales of their weddings.
He began his career working for the then Burnley Corporation in 1958 and later joined the Lancashire Education Department.
He was promoted to superintendent registrar in 1971.
