CANDLES were lit and prayers said as the people of Bolton stood shoulder-to-shoulder in Victoria Square in support of the victims of Manchester’s terror attacks.

Hundreds attended a vigil in the square at 6pm led by civic, faith and community leaders who prayed for peace.

The vigil was held at the same time as the one being organised in the centre of Manchester to symbolise solidarity across the region.

Canon Matt Thompson led the service on behalf of Bolton Council and the Bolton Faith Leader’s Forum.

Mayor of Bolton Cllr Roger Hayes, who lit a candle, said: “All around Greater Manchester at this time citizens are gathering together to offer prayers and thoughts to those affected by the attack in Manchester.

“I believe it is important for us, at times like this, to come together to offer comfort to one another but also show our solidarity.

“It is by doing this that we remain strong and unified.”

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Chief Executive Margaret Asquith said: “The victims, the children, young people and families and anyone who has been affected by the attack in Manchester are first and foremost in our prayers and thoughts.

“I want to offer assurances to the people of Bolton that the council will continue to do the work we have always done in keeping the borough of Bolton safe.

“Our different agencies and communities have worked together over many years to encourage tolerance, friendship and respect across our different cultures in Bolton and we will keep doing this.

“Thank you for coming to stand with us in Bolton and with the people of Manchester tonight, those affected by this terrible event are in our hearts and our prayers.”

There were also speeches by representative from different faiths.

Philip Austin from Bolton Interfaith Council said: "We hold in our hearts and in our prayers those whose mostly young lives have been so abruptly taken or shattered, by an act that embodied despair rather than faith. Our commitment is to building hope and we will continue to let that sentiment shape our actions."

Flowers were left and candles lit on the town hall steps and tears shed and people hugged as the short but poignant vigil came to end.

Philippa Hall, who lives in Astley Bridge, said: "It was very important to come here today. We have to stand in solidarity and faith."

Joan Pritchard-Jones, from Deane, added: "It is absolutely devastating and so sad."

Maaz Patel, aged 11, said: "Those affected are in our thoughts and prayers."

Following the vigil, some also went to Manchester.

The crowd heard from Chief Constable Ian Hopkins, the Bishop of Manchester David Walker and the Lord Mayor Eddy Newman.

They all called for the Manchester community to come together.

Many people in the crowd wept and people erupted in to applause on several occasions, including to praise the emergency services.

Jeremy Corbyn, Andy Burnham, Amber Rudd and Tim Farron all attended the vigil.

At the end the crowd began an unprompted chant of 'Manchester'.

Messages of condolence to those caught up in the bombing have been left on a 'prayer tree' at the Bolton Methodist Mission Victoria Hall, Knowsley Street, in the town centre.

Friends, neighbours and strangers gathered in Radcliffe Piazza to pay tribute to the victims of last night's terror attack in Manchester.

Bury Rugby Club held a vigil with the club releasing balloons to represent those people confirmed to have died in the attack.