HUNDREDS of people flocked to Bolton to pay their respects to the country's brave servicemen and women.

The Armed Forces Day ceremony took place in Victoria Square on Saturday with a service by Canon Matt Thompson,Vicar of Bolton Parish Church.

Rev Thompson welcomed the air, army and sea cadets and special guests including the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Carole Swarbrick, and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd.

After prayers, the Last Post was played and Cllr Swarbrick led a wreath-laying ceremony at the war memorial.

Cllr Swarbrick said: "I know that you will agree with me that it is very important that we commemorate and celebrate our Armed Forces.

"I particularly want to thank the representatives that have travelled here from Catterick from the Duke of Lancaster Regiment and also our young people here today that are in uniform — well done and keep up the good work."

Linda Cash, Petty Officer for the sea cadets, said: "I am an ex servicewoman of the Falklands War and I put it across to the young cadets that it is important to remember those that are no longer with us and pay their respects to the Armed Forces."

As part of the event, several vintage vehicles were on display and there were a number of information displays.

Charities including the Lifeboat Service and the Royal British Legion of Westhoughton were also in attendance to pay their respects.

Roland Edwards, Chairman of Westhoughton British Legion, said: "It is very important for people to attend events like this, especially children because I think the more children that are educated the more enlightened that we will all be."

A final parade began in Victoria Square at 2.45pm before the Armed Forces Day Flag was lowered at 3pm.