CROWDS gathered in a sunny Bolton town centre today to celebrate the start of Armed Forces Week and the raising of the flag.

Victoria Square was full of visitors, dignitaries and troops as part of the annual celebrations to honour the men and women who make up the country’s armed forces.

Bolton Sea Cadets attended the service along with the 216 Battery Bolton Artillery, Bolton United Services Association, the Royal British Legion and Bolton Armed Forces Cadets.

Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Roger Hayes also took part in the proceedings, which were hosted by the Rev Canon Matt Thompson.

A minute’s silence was held at 11am to remember those who have lost their lives through their service after the traditional Last Post was played.

After that the Armed Forces flag was raised above Bolton Town Hall Cllr Hayes said the ceremonies are so important to the heritage of the country and thanked people for making the effort to pay their respects.

He said: “The turnout here really does show that the people of Bolton care about the work that the Armed Forces have done in the past and continue to do.”

Mr Thompson, Vicar of Bolton, said he felt privileged to be associated with a town that cared so much.

“The impressive thing is of people wanting to gather, show that they care and that we will always stand together to remember those who gave their lives for their country.

“I think that these ceremonies have a real value in helping people to do that and so I think that was the case today.”

At Royal Bolton Hospital, members of Bolton NHS Foundation Trust held a small ceremony where a flag was also raised in front of the main entrance.

The ceremony was attended by Trust chief executive Dr Jackie Bene along with serving members of the Reserve Forces and members of the Bolton branch of the Royal Artillery Association.

After chaplains of the hospital conducted a small service of blessing and thanksgiving, the Armed Forces Day Flag was raised.

Michael Gallagher, Armed Forces champion who also attended the flag raising, said: “Bolton NHS Foundation Trust is committed to supporting the Armed Forces community, both serving and veterans.

“The Trust has reinforced this commitment by signing the Armed Forces Covenant.”

Armed Forces Week will continue until Saturday when Armed Forces Day will take place in Victoria Square.

The day will include displays from the armed forces and cadets of vehicles and equipment, plus inter cadet challenges.

Live music will be played from local cadet bands and charities and local history societies will have stalls and exhibitions. The day will end with a short ceremony to lower the flag and closing speeches.

For more information, visit www.armedforcesday.org.uk