BOLTON Town Hall has been illuminated red to reflect the borough's solidarity with persecuted Christians around the world and those who suffer for their peacefully held beliefs.

Today is national Red Wednesday, the second time the day has been held and the second time Bolton has been involved.

The campaign is championed by Aid to the Church in Need and calls for respect and tolerance for people of faith and between different faith traditions.

Deputy Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Linda Thomas, said: "We are happy to support this cause in Bolton and this is the second year we have joined organisations around the country by lighting the exterior of town hall red.

“We have also shown support in this way for other awareness campaigns, such as to celebrate Pride. Lighting up the town hall is a simple yet effective way of demonstrating that Bolton is inclusive and tolerant of different faiths, cultures and beliefs.”

For more information visit https://acnuk.org/campaign/redwednesday/.