RIVINGTON Pike is being illuminated to pay tribute to those who lost their lives serving their country.

The iconic Horwich landmark will be lit up every night this week with a large poppy as part of Remembrance events across the borough, 100 years since the start of World War One.

Horwich Town Council has teamed up with Chorley Council to light the landmark, which sits on the boundary betweent the two areas.

Councillor Kevin McKeon, Leader of Horwich Town Council, said it was a ‘fitting tribute’ to the 420 citizens of Horwich who gave their lives during the conflict.

He said: “Horwich Town Council takes very seriously the promise made at every Remembrance Day ‘To Remember’.

“It is therefore, a privilege for us to co-operate with Chorley Council in illuminating Rivington Pike for the period of Remembrance which will commemorate the sacrifice made by those from both towns who never returned home after the First World War and other conflicts since then.

“I am grateful to Horwich resident, Ken Chaisty, who first suggested the idea.”

Rivington Pike has a long history and was used as a beacon warning of oncoming forces as far back as the 12 century.

As well as lighting the Pike, Chorley Council has listed the names of all those who lost their lives during the wars, on a banner on the side of the Town Hall with the words ‘We Remember.’

Cllr Peter Wilson, Deputy Leader of Chorley Council, said: “This year is a particularly poignant moment in our history as we commemorate 100 years since the start of the First World War so we thought it was right that we did something different to recognise the sacrifices local people made during the wars.

“Rivington Pike is our most visible landmark so by lighting it up and projecting an image of a poppy on to the side it is a way of publicly remembering those who lost their lives in conflict and those who helped back home.”

The Pike will be lit between 5pm to 9pm until Friday, November 14.