Prayers for crash vicar

PRAYERS are being held for a popular Royton vicar who was seriously injured in a crash.

The Rev James Read of St Anne’s was cycling home from Huddersfield a week ago when he was involved in a collision with a Ford Escort in Ripponden Road.

He was taken to the Royal Oldham Hospital with head injuries, a broken leg and a torn calf, and has since been transferred to Rochdale Infirmary.

A prayer vigil was held at the church on Friday afternoon for Rev James who moved to St Anne’s in October, 2009 with his wife, Marian.

They have two daughters, Rebecca and Vicky, and three grandchildren.

Church warden Sylvia Coppock said: “We plan to open the church each morning and each evening for people to go in and say quiet prayers. James is very popular. He is well liked by his fellow clergy as well; he is well-respected and highly thought of.”

The 30-year-old driver of the Ford Escort has been arrested.