THE LEADER of Bolton Council has asked the people of the town to "come together" on the day the UK leaves the European Union.

The country will leave the union at 11pm today but will immediately enter into an 11-month 'transition period' where the future agreements between the two sides will be decided.

Bolton will mark the event with union flags on every civic building, bells playing and the town hall lit up red white and blue.

Ahead of the historic moment, Cllr David Greenhalgh, head of the council, said: “The people of our country were given a democratic vote on whether we should stay in, or leave the European Union, and all political parties promised to honour that democratic vote.

"For too long politicians have played games on this issue which has led to delay and uncertainty.

"Until now, when we finally have a Prime Minister and a government who will keep that promise.

“This is a historic moment in our nation’s history, and it should be marked by coming together, accepting that decision and moving forward with optimism, with pride in our nation; pride in our identity and pride in our flag.

“This is why we will display the colours of the union lighting up the front of the town hall, have the union flag flying from the town hall and other civic buildings across the borough in Westhoughton, Horwich, Blackrod, Farnworth and Kearsley, and have the giant bell of the town hall chime at 11pm to mark the historic moment."

He added: “This comes at no extra cost to the Bolton resident. This is not gloating, there is no mass party, no music, no stage or speeches; this is Bolton at its civic heart marking this momentous occasion with optimism as we all together look forward to a future where we are in control of our own destiny.”