A VERGER has stepped down after 56 years dedicated service at St Clement's Church, in Green Haworth.

Alan Stuttard's labour of love began in 1949 when he moved into the house next-door to the church so he could organise services, look after the vicar and keep the church neat and tidy.

He used to attend the day school in the late 1920s and went on to become the chairman of the board of governors. He has also served as treasurer and secretary.

He said: "When we went to school, there was no water, no electricity, no gas and we all wore clogs. We made quite a lot of noise walking up and down the corridors."

Alan, who retired last weekend, is now settling into his new home with his wife Ann in Campion Court in Oswaldtwistle. They have three children together Alan, Margaret and Eileen, seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

He will stay on as organist at St Clement's and sing with the Accrington Male Voice Choir.

The 83-year-old added: "I am sad to be leaving but am happy where I am now. I will continue playing the organ on Sundays."