A STAGE show seeped in mystery will be the send-off for a Methodist minister as she moves on to pastures new.

The Westhoughton Methodist Amateur Dramatic Society (ADS) will be performing a murder mystery as their special thanks to Rev Lesley Dinham, who has served as the minister at Westhoughton Methodist, St Helen’s Road Methodist Church and Chew Moor Methodist Church for the past five years.

‘Who Killed The Vicar’, by Chris Martin, was seen as a fitting farewell for Rev Dinham, who has been heavily involved with the drama group alongside her church leadership. Rev Dinham will participate in the production.

"I'm not the vicar, I hasten to say", said Rev Dinham. "I'm starring as one of the detectives."

She added: "It has been an absolute joy and privilege to walk alongside people in their journey of faith. I’m looking forward to the new challenge in my ministry of being a superintendent but will miss the folk from my churches in the Bolton Circuit."

Rev Dinham will become superintendent at Nene Valley Methodist Circuit in Northamptonshire, where she will have oversight of eight churches, and pastoral care of three of those.

A farewell service and tea will be held at Westhoughton Methodist Church on July 7 at 5pm, and Westhoughton Methodist ADS will present their murder mystery at 7.15pm on July 5-6.

A social media post from the group reads: “Over the past five years Rev Dinham has given great service to church, community and this amateur dramatic group itself with some fine performances; this will be a fitting and heartfelt send-off to a good friend."

Tickets at £7 including supper and refreshments can be purchased from Westhoughton Methodist Church on Saturday mornings or by calling 07808 841 631.