BOLTON will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Passchendaele this weekend.

A special service will held at Bolton Parish Church to mark the centenary of battle, between 6.30pm and 7.30pm on Sunday.

The service will be led by the Vicar of Bolton, the Rev Canon Matt Thompson and attended by the Mayor and Mayoress of Bolton.

The Battle of Passchendaele took place from July 30 to November 6, 1917 in Ypres, France and was one of the worst battles of the First World War.

It is believed that 310,000 Allied soldiers and 260,000 German soldiers lost their lives.

The appalling conditions of advancing through knee-deep mud during pouring rain, while under attack, meant the British advanced a mere five miles.

There were many Bolton men who lost their lives in the battle and the service will commemorate all those who lost their lives.

Cllr Roger Hayes, the mayor of Bolton, said: “I am looking forward to leading the service and seeing all of Bolton represented. This centenary gives us all a chance to commemorate this battle.

“I would encourage all Boltonians to show their support and come along to the event.”