CHURCHES Together in Settle and District used its annual Songs of Praise event to bid farewell to Monsignor Anthony Boylan, priest at St Mary and St Michael Catholic Church in Settle, who is retiring at the end of this month.

During his eight years in the area, Father Tony has supported the endeavours and activities of the local Churches Together group. He has been chairman for two years and established the Justice and Peace Group.

The group's Lent course has been held in the Catholic Parish Hall and Father Tony has served the Christian community in many ways.

He was presented with a gift for his new "retirement" garden by the secretary of Settle and District Churches Together, Sally Waterson, and the organisers of this year's Songs of Praise, the Revs Stephen Dawson and Stuart Stobart.