BOLTON fell silent this morning as a mark of respect for those who fought for the country.

Hundreds of people lined Victoria Square to pay their respects and observe the two-minute silence.

Vicar of Bolton, Canon Matt Thompson, led the service in memory of the men and women of Bolton who gave their lives in the service of their country.

Mayor of Bolton Cllr Lynda Byrne was one of the many councillors who turned up to pay her respects.

She said: “It was a very moving service as it always is. I was amazed by the amount of school children who turned out today and on Friday.

“I’m really pleased by the number of people who came to pay their respects.”

Sian Kilcoyne, from Bromley Cross, said the morning’s ceremony made her proud.

She said: “The turnout is absolutely fantastic, it makes me proud to be a Boltonian.

“In Bromley Cross and Astley Bridge all of the lampposts are covered in poppies and I think it is great, it makes you feel really proud.”

Former and present members of the military were joined by Bolton Cadets, Scouts, Guides, members of the Royal British Legion and many other community groups were present to lay wreaths at the war memorial.

Major Paul Westlake, commanding officer for the Salvation Army in Bolton, said: “I have only just started in Bolton so this is my first Remembrance Day here.

“The amount of people who have turned up is impressive, it is nice to see that there are so many people who want to come out and pay their respects to the veterans.

“I think it is very important that we continue to remember those that have contributed their lives in war.”

The service was concluded with a rendition of the National Anthem and the servicemen paraded around the square to the applause of the crowd.

Other remembrance services took place at war memorials across Bolton.

Bromley Cross, at Dunscar War Memorial, had record numbers turn out with 1,000 people estimated.

Cllr David Greenhalgh said: “To see so many of all ages turn out today filled me with huge pride for my area."

Record numbers also turned out to pay their respects in Astley Bridge.

Cllr Hilary Fairclough said: “It was fantastic, I have been going for a few years now and this is the best turnout that I have seen.

“It made me really proud to be a part of Astley Bridge.”

Cllr Ann Cunliffe was proud of the people in Horwich who turned up at their war memorial.

She said: "It was absolutely wonderful, the way it was supported by the people of Horwich was fantastic."