HUNDREDS of people gathered in Victoria Square to fall silent in memory of those who have lost their lives in conflict.

The Armistice Day service brought children, adults, serving soldiers and war veterans together as the town centre fell quiet for two minutes of remembrance and the Last Post sounded.

Prayers were said by the Vicar of Bolton, the Rev Matt Thompson, for the departed soldiers and those currently serving in the armed forces, before the national anthem was played.

Mr Thompson thanked those who came out, adding it was "wonderful" to see so many in Bolton get behind the service.

Peole who attended said it was nice to see so many residents come out to support family, friends and everyone past and present from the forces.

Cliff Mellor, who served with the Royal Navy during the Second World War and is now secretary of the Bolton branch of the Royal Artillery Association, said the day gave him a chance to remember his fallen comrades.

He said: "The night before I was going home, I went out on one last patrol and a 19-year-old was bombed to death. I never knew his name, but I've never forgotten him. It's beautiful to see so many people come out and it seems to be getting more each year and I think Iraq and Afghanistan has a lot to do with that."

77-year-old veteran Michael Spencer said: "For me, this day is about my mates who are no longer with us. For this day and age it's nice to see so many people out and I'm happy it still happens the way it does."

Royston Brent, who spent six years with the Parachute Regiment and served in Iraq and Afghanistan, added: "I come out to remember those in the military family because I've never forgotten them. When you join the army, or whichever part of the forces you go into, you join a big family. You come out for all of them, I've lost friends in Iraq and Afghanistan, so it's important for me to remember them."

Turn to Page 18 to find out about this weekend’s special Remembrance concert at Victoria Hall.