Lychgate tribute to vicar and family

The Bishop of Middleton Mark Davies flanked by parishioners at the new lychgate

THE impressive new lychgate dedicated to retired vicar Sydney Clayton and his family has been official unveiled at Denshaw’s Christ Church.

Churchgoers made their way outside after the service on Sunday for the ceremony performed by the Bishop of Middleton, Mark Davies.

Mr Clayton said: “The congregation has wholeheartedly got behind this and everyone was very pleased to see the lychgate unveiled.”

Local builder John Saxon made the sturdy new entrance to the church where Mr Clayton had been vicar for 33 years.

Mr Clayton’s father, Sydney, was born in Denshaw in 1900 and was well known in the local community. He died in 1983.

Church reader Eric Clarke said: “The weather was absolutely idyllic and the lychgate really is beautiful.

“The whole village will be delighted, it really finishes off the church and will get better with age as the wood weathers.”