THEY followed in the footsteps of those who went before.

On Sunday, people from Bolton left Wood Stree to march 12 miles to Manchester to remember those killed and injured in the Peterloo Massacre, who 200 years ago had marched to the city.

They carried a specially commissioned banner painted by Westhoughton artist Andy Smith,

Others joined en route.

At Salford Crescent, local marchers were joined by more supporters, including a Samba Band for the final mile and half to Albert Square for a rally organised by GM Federation of Trades Council to commemorate those who had been injured or killed.

On the morning of the August 16, 1819, around 60,000 people had walked to St Peter's Fields.

But the peaceful rally ended in death and injury when the cavalry charged into the masses.

Local organiser Chris Chilton said: “Peterloo reminds us of the struggle and sacrifice our forebears made to secure democratic rights for us all and it’s absolutely right that we remember and honour them.

"But their struggle also reminds us that the demand for the vote was only one part of a long battle to improve the lives of working people in general.

"That battle continues to this day and especially now when levels of hardship, homelessness and job insecurity are on the increase.”

A memorial has been unveiled to those who died in the massacre, which features the names of those killed.Twenty-three people from Bolton were injured.

The day is seen as a defining moment in the England's history.

n See Thursday's The Bolton News for a special feature on the Bolton man who gave the order to charge at the crowds.