BOLTON will mark the tenth anniversary of 9/11 with a special service.

Firefighters and council bosses have organised the service, which will be held in Victoria Square, to remember the thousands of innocent victims, including hundreds of firefighters, who lost their lives in the terrorist attack on the Twin Towers in New York on September 11, 2001.

And poignantly, the service coincides with the annual day of remembrance which pays tribute to firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

Bolton’s Borough Commander Ian Bailey, who attended the first anniversary in New York, came up with the idea of marking the day in a special way and involving the people of Bolton.

He said: “In Greater Manchester the fire brigade in Bolton is the only one doing this, though others may follow our example.”

“Following the terrorist attacks and the public outcry, certain people were entirely, unfairly wrongly tarnished with the same brush.

“In Bolton, which is a multicultural town, it is an opportunity for all the whole community to stand shoulder to shoulder to pay their respects.”

On the anniversary, Bolton’s four fire stations will be open to the public and a lantern, blessed by the Vicar of Bolton, the Rev Matt Thompson, will be taken to each of them — Bolton North, Horwich and Farnworth and Bolton Central — as a symbolic gesture.

A procession from Bolton Central, including the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Noel Spencer, will make its way to Victoria Square for the 1.30pm service.

A minute’s silence will be held at 1.46pm — our time — when the first plane hit the World Trade Centre.

An old-fashioned fire bell, one used before sirens were introduced, will signal the start and end of the minute.

Rev Thompson said: “The service is about the Bolton family, remembering the people who have died.

“It is this attitude which make you proud to be part of Bolton.”

Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Noel Spencer, added: “I think it is very important to have this service.

“The heroism of firefighters was brought to the world’s attention by 9/11.

“We remember the New York firefighters who died, but also the heroes in Bolton who show their bravery.”