BOLTON actress Maxine Peake led tributes to those who died in the struggle for democracy at the infamous Peterloo Massacre.

She was joined by dozens of people from her hometown including Little Hulton actor Christopher Ecclestone, to remember the campaigners who marched to St Peter's Field, now St Peter's Square, Manchester 196 years ago.

Maxine read the protest inspired poem The Mask of Anarchy while Doctor Who star Christopher read from a speech delivered at the time by Henry Hunt, a radical speaker.

Both read out the names of those who had been killed when around 60,000 people had gathered peacefully to hear Mr Hunt, a political reformer.

It became known as the "Peterloo Massacre'" in an ironic comparison to the Battle of Waterloo, which had taken place just four years earlier.

Dozens of people walked from Bolton into Manchester where they joined by marches from across Greater Manchester to remember those who died and were injured at the hands of the cavalry in St Peter's Field.

Chris Chilton, chairman of Bolton Socialist Club, from where the marchers set off from, said: "There were around 600 people in Manchester, and the idea is for the event to get bigger and bigger every year for the bicentennial anniversary.

"It was a positive atmosphere. There was the Open Voice Choir singing songs including We Shall Overcome.

"There were families and children.

"It is a very important event in the struggle for democracy but it is often underplayed and is not often taught at schools, which is very convenient for the political establishment.

"We are reminded of the sacrifice made in the past."

He added: "It is powerful being part of the march, it gives you confidence and sense of belief in the power of ordinary people."