THE Mayor of Bolton will attend a commemoration for the centenary of the Battle of Passchendaele today.

A special service – to be held at Bolton Parish Church between 6.30pm and 7.30pm – will commemorate 100 years since the battle.

The service will be led by the Vicar of Bolton, Rev Matt Thompson and attended by Mayor Roger Hayes.

The Battle of Passchendaele took place from July 30 to November 6, 1917 in Ypres, France and was one of the bleakest battles of the First World War.

It is believed that 310,000 Allied soldiers and 260,000 German soldiers lost their lives.

The appalling conditions of advancing through knee deep mud during pouring rain, whilst under attack, meant the British advanced a mere five miles.

Cllr Roger Hayes, Mayor of Bolton, said: “I am looking forward to leading the service and seeing all of Bolton represented.

"This centenary gives us all a chance to commemorate this battle. I would encourage all Boltonians to show their support and come along to the event.”