Bolton’s new mayor has issued a message of “hope and solidarity” on the fifth anniversary of the Manchester Arena Bombing.

Cllr Akhtar Zaman was sworn in as the borough’s new mayor at a ceremony on Wednesday with the commemoration of the events of five years ago one of his most important duties so far.

As well as the message, flags have also been flown at half-mast at Bolton town hall while the building will be lit up as darkness falls on Sunday evening to show support for the victims, their loved ones and to the rest of the country.

Cllr Zaman said: “Today marks five years since the terrorist attack at Manchester Arena which claimed the lives of 22 innocent people, injured many others and left our country in mourning.

“On that night, the people of Bolton stood shoulder to shoulder with our friends in Manchester and we do so again today.

“The union flag will fly at half-mast today and the building will light up this evening in a symbol of hope and solidarity.

“Today we take time to remember those who lost their lives on May 22 2017 and to show that our thoughts and prayers remain with their loved ones.”