Plans for remembrance Sunday had to change this year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

However, many are coming together to make sure people can still remember the fallen safely this year.

This will include a short virtual remembrance service, including wreath laying video, at 10:50am today.

It can be watched here: https://www.bolton.gov.uk/remembrance

There will also be an ‘act of remembrance’ service on Bolton FM at 10.50am led by Rev Ian Smart and Rev Hilary Howarth with a message from Vicar of Bolton, Rev Canon Dr Chris Bracegirdle, and a reading from the Mayor of Bolton, Councillor Linda Thomas.

The council is also encouraging people to take part in a two-minute silence from their doorsteps at 11am today to mark remembrance Sunday.

Cllr Thomas said: "It's with real regret that we have had to change our plans to commemorate the service of our fallen, due to this terrible virus.

"We cannot meet together for our Remembrance Service in the Parish Church as collective worship is no longer permitted.

"I know this will be disappointing to everyone, including our many veterans who have served the country not to be able to carry out our Act of Remembrance in our usual way.

"However, I will be laying a wreath on behalf of the borough which the public will be able to watch through our website.

"People may lay their own wreathes at war memorials around the borough between 8 and 11 November. 

"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.

Leader of Bolton Council, David Greenhalgh, 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."