HUNDREDS gathered in Victoria Square to commemorate the centenary of the end of the First World War.

For the first time at a Remembrance Day service, members of the public were invited to take part in a guided "walk past" the war memorial.

The service, led by the Vicar of Bolton, Rev Canon Dr Chris Bracegirdle, started at 10.45am.

A candle was relit and placed on the war memorial after having been extinguished four years earlier to mark the centenary of the war's outbreak.

Mr Bracegirdle said: "It has been relit as a poignant reminder of the light that was once again able to shine across the world."

A minute’s silence was observed after The Last Post was performed by the 216 Battery Bugler.

The Mayor of Bolton Elaine Sherrington, led the wreath laying, followed by Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester George Almond.

Cllr Sherrington said: “It was so wonderful to see so many members of the public that had turned out to pay their respect, this being the centenary since the end of World War One. Bolton has yet again showed they have respected for all those that have made the ultimate sacrifice for us.”

MPs Yasmin Qureshi and Sir David Crausby were joined by Cllr Toby Hewitt who laid a wreath on behalf of Chris Green who attended a service in Westhoughton.

They were followed by the Senior Coroner at Greater Manchester Magistrate’s Bench, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bolton and representatives of Bolton Crown Court.

Representatives from Ladywood School, Moorgate Primary and Firwood High School also lay wreathes.

The 216 Battery led the parade, followed by cadets, scouts and guides and the United Services Veterans’ Association.

Members of the public were then invited to follow the parade and walk past the war memorial, taking lead from other ceremonies around the country.

Maddison Rhodes, from Astley Bridge, placed a cross at the war memorial in honour of a long-serving veteran.

Fiona Jackson, a friend of Maddison’s grandmother, was overjoyed by the 7-year-old's gesture.

She said: “I’m so proud of her for planting the cross for my dad. He spent all his life in the army and I’m so proud of him.”

Fiona’s father, Robert Kenyan Jackson, was a No. 2 Commando who served in the Second World War.

A cascade of poppies was released from the town hall as the sun came out for the final part of the ceremony.

Sir David Crausby said: “I thought it was really well-managed and a fantastic touch at the end, which went perfectly, was the release of the poppies from the top of the town hall. Even the wind caught them rightly. So I think whoever organised it must have organised the wind as well, so congratulations to them.”

Cllr John Walsh said: "I'm delighted at the turnout of the parade and members of the public despite the weather."

The town’s commemoration continued with a songs of praise service at Bolton Parish Church at 3pm.

Finally, the lighting of the Remembrance Beacon will take place at 7pm in Victoria Square.