WAR veterans gathered at Bolton Parish Church to honour their fallen comrades on Monday.

To mark the 61st anniversary of the Normandy landings, more than 30 former soldiers and their families attended a remembrance service led by the Vicar of Bolton, Canon Michael Williams.

During the ceremony, poetry was read by the chairman of the Bolton branch of the Normandy Veterans Association, Jim Ratcliffe.

After the service, a wreath was laid by the Mayor and Mayoress of Bolton, Cllr Frank White and his wife Eileen, at the plaque inside the church commemorating those who gave their lives in Normandy, the Last Post was sounded and was followed by a two minute silence.

Canon Williams said the annual event is an important one for the dwindling band of World War II veterans.

"Ironically, the longer it goes on and the fewer veterans there are, it becomes and even more poignant occasion for them," he said.