"WE stand together."

That is the message following the horrific terror attack at a pop concert which killed 22 people, including children and teenagers. 

The Bolton News is backing the Manchester Evening News' fundraising appeal, launched for the victims of the Manchester Arena terror attack.

We and other Newsquest titles across the country are standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the Trinity Mirror-owned newspaper, whose online campaign topped £1m within 24 hours.

The newspaper’s original target of £250,000 was broken within hours of its JustGiving page being set up and the £500,000 and £750,000 marks were also soon passed.

The MEN has urged other newspapers, websites and media to call on their readers to back its appeal and The Bolton News has pledged its support without hesitation.

MEN editor in chief Rob Irvine said: "The response of the public in Greater Manchester and across the country has been amazing. So many people want to help.

"We have also been moved by the number of papers and websites who have rallied round Manchester, with messages of support on newspaper front pages and website home pages.

"We would be so pleased if our fellow journalists could ask their readers to help the appeal. The Red Cross will make sure the support gets quickly to the families affected. Many of the victims of the attack came from across the UK and they can all be supported."

The Sun has also launched its Together With Manchester fundraising appeal for victims of the tragedy, to which Bolton bakery firm Warburtons has donated £25,000.

And the British Red Cross in association with We Love MCR, the Lord Mayor of Manchester’s’ charity, have also established the Manchester Emergency JustGivingFund which has raised over £549,000.

A still-growing total of £1.5 million has already been doanated to support the victims and their families. also donated £50,000 to this appeal.

Rhys Goode, spokesperson for JustGiving, which itself has donated £50,000, said:  “Following this devastating and cowardly attack, it speaks volumes that the people of Manchester and across the UK have rallied to support the victims, their families and friends in their hour of need.

"This shows just how strong people’s resolve is not to be cowed in the face of terror.”

JustGiving saw ten times the normal volume of traffic on the site and at one point had 33,000 people active at the same time - reaching six donations a second.

This more than doubled the site’s previous record for people on the platform at one time.

Donations to the MEN’S appeal can be made at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/westandtogethermanchester

And those who wish to donate to The Sun’s appeal can do so by visiting justgiving.com/fundraising/TogetherWithManchester