A CHURCH will throw open its doors to people of all faiths to remember nearly 300 people who died in the Sri Lanka terror attacks.

Following the horrific incident Rev Canon Dr Chris Bracegirdle, chair of Bolton Faith Leaders’ Forum, said events such as this "only serve to increase our determination to work for peace, freedom, justice and compassion".

Bolton Parish Church, in Churchgate, will be open tomorrow between 6pm and 7.30pm to allow for quiet reflection, meditation and prayer.

There will be no formal service or speeches but anyone, regardless of faith, is invited to attend.

Anyone who attends for reflection will also be able to light a candle in memory if they find this helpful.

The Bolton News: Bolton Parish Church. Picture by Trevor MasseyBolton Parish Church. Picture by Trevor Massey

Dr Bracegirdle said: "Once again, as the Faith Leaders in Bolton we find ourselves expressing our sincere and heartfelt condolences, this time to the people of Sri Lanka, following the dreadful events of Easter Sunday.

"Those who have lost their loved ones in these mindless acts of terrorism are very much in our thoughts and prayers, as are those who are injured and scarred from what they have witnessed.

"We stand together in commitment to the values of our faiths which we share in common with all people of goodwill.

"Tragic events such as these only serve to increase our determination to work for peace, freedom, justice and compassion.

"As ever we commit ourselves to work together for an ever more cohesive town and a more humane world.

"We ask all faith groups here in Bolton to remember in their prayers the families and communities affected by these bomb attacks."

Bolton Parish Church picture by Trevor Massey.