IT’S been uplifting to hear the stories of soldiers of the Somme and to mark the centenary of that bloody, senseless battle.

The graphic photos and film footage of those who fought in the First World War have driven home just what towns like Bolton and Bury up and down the country lost.

Nearly 1.5 million died on both sides there; thousands of families suffered searing, enduring loss.

It would be easy to forget this long ago battle and move on, but we mustn’t. Too much can be learned from the bravery and sacrifice of ordinary men doing extraordinary things.