PEOPLE will still be able to pay their respects to fallen soldiers from home on Remembrance Sunday.

Although many of the parades and services across the borough have been cancelled, people across the borough will still have the chance to honour those who gave their lives.

A small church service will be held at Bolton Parish Church on Remembrance Sunday, November 8, with a live stream available to watch on the Bolton Council website, and a live broadcast played on Bolton FM.

Attendance at the service will be limited to meet covid-19 guidelines, with invitations given out to Armed Forces organisations first.

Wreaths can be laid at any of the borough’s war memorials between Sunday November 8, to Wednesday November 11, to lower the risks normal gatherings would pose.

Cllr Linda Thomas, the Mayor of Bolton, said: “It is very disappointing that our traditional Remembrance Sunday services will be different this year with the cancellation of the parades, but as a council it is our duty first and foremost to protect the health of our people and to do so in line with relevant laws and government guidance

“People will be able to lay their own wreathes at war memorials around the borough and watch the live stream of the service from Bolton Parish Church.

“We would like to welcome people to show their appreciation and to take part in an Act of Remembrance by placing photographs, drawings and artwork of poppies in the windows of their homes, and places of work, in a similar way to which we supported our NHS workers during lockdown.”

Marshals will be in place on Victoria Square during busy periods to offer advice and guidance.

People have been encouraged to hold a two-minute silence from their doorsteps on Remembrance Sunday.

Anyone laying a wreath can also share video footage onto social media, tagging the mayor’s office in posts, for them to be reposted.

Cllr David Greenhalgh, Leader of Bolton Council, added: “Remembrance Sunday is, for me, probably the most important day in the borough’s Civic Calendar, and it is deeply frustrating that this virus is preventing us from remembering those brave men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice, in our usual manner.

“But we will never forget them and we will ensure that this day of all days is marked in a suitable, reflective and poignant manner.”