BOLTON fell silent on Sunday to remember those who gave their lives for their country.

Town hall leaders praised a “wonderful” turnout for the Remembrance Day service in Victoria Square, with hundreds of people braving the rainy conditions to pay their respects to Bolton service men and women who died in the line of duty.

The service, which marked 70 years since the end of the Second World War, as well as the centenary of the Gallipoli campaign, was led by Canon Matt Thompson, the Vicar of Bolton.

After a two-minute silence, dozens of wreaths were laid at the war memorial by local dignitaries, members of the armed forces and emergency services, and representatives of community groups and charities from around the area.

Cllr Carole Swarbrick, the Mayor of Bolton, said: “It’s important that we commemorate people who died in two world wars but also in more recent conflicts. You can see by the wonderful turnout of people here today that it means a great deal to the people of Bolton to remember those we have lost.

“When we saw the bad weather in the morning we were worried about the number of people who would come out for the service, but the attendance was – as always – absolutely fantastic.

“It was a lovely service – I enjoyed every minute of it and I hope everyone else did too.”

Cllr Martin Donaghy, the Deputy Mayor, added: “It’s very heartening to once again see a large turnout on the steps for Remembrance Day and long may that continue because it is a very special day for the people of Bolton and the surrounding district.

“A lot of the people who have come to gather at the Cenotaph have lost family members or know someone who has been injured in the armed services. It’s nice to be able to come here to say a few prayers and remember quietly and with reverence those who have lost their lives, and have given service for Bolton and their country.”

Music at the service was performed by the Hoover Band and the Bolton Caledonia Pipe Band.

Sergeant Major Rob Culf, who helped with the organisation of the service, said: “We put a lot of preparation into this and it’s important to remember what has gone on and make the younger people here aware of the sacrifices that so many have made.

“We have a remembrance dinner the night before as well to bring a lot of old soldiers back together, so it’s a superb weekend.”

In Westhoughton, wreaths were laid at the town's war memorial before a parade back to The Fairways, with parades also held in Kearsley, Bromley Cross, Little Lever, and Farnworth.

The Town Mayor of Horwich, Cllr Ken Denton, took part the town's parade yesterday morning, while Blackrod also hosted a laying of wreaths at the village's Cenotaph.

Armistice Day will be commemorated in Bolton with another service in Victoria Square on Wednesday.