Crowds gather to pay their respects on Remembrance Sunday

War veterans, members of the Armed Forces, past and present, schoolchildren and religious and civic leaders gathered in Victoria Square, where the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Norman Critchley, led guests down the town hall steps.

At 11am, maroons were fired and the Last Post sounded out across the packed crowds to mark the start of a two minutes’ silence to remember all those who have lost their lives in conflicts.

The Vicar of Bolton, the Rev Matt Thompson, led the main service and prayers on the Town Hall steps before the Bolton Hoover Brass Band accompanied a rendition of The National Anthem.

Pupils from Eagley Juniors, Walmsley Primary School, Canon Slade and Turton High School laid wreaths at the war memorial on behalf of schoolchildren across the borough, while firefighter Steve Morris represented the Fire Services.

Earlier in the day, the parade – led by ex-service organisations such as the Royal British Legion, as well as Scout and Guide groups – set off from Le Mans Crescent and marched to the main war memorial.

This year’s services were more poignant than ever with 2009 being the worst year for British troops in Afghanistan since the conflict began eight years ago.

Cllr Critchley, said: “When you come out through the doors at the top of the steps and see that huge crowd, it is magnificent. I was really proud of the people of Bolton because we didn’t know what the weather was going to do and it was raining.

“That crowd showed that we are standing square with the troops in the war zone and we are backing them 100 per cent.

“It doesn’t matter whether we agree or not, the important thing is that we are behind them.”

In Westhoughton, the parade gathered at the Parochial Primary School and made its way to the parish church for a remembrance service.

Westhoughton Cllr David Chadwick said: “The parade was reasonably well attended, despite the weather and the church was full for the service.

“A number of schoolchildren, representatives, and the town’s people turned out for a service at the cenotaph.”

Two servicemen who arrived back from Afghanistan on Saturday joined veterans, members of the public, the Mayor or Horwich, Cllr Sue Denton and town councillors for a parade and service at the war memorial in Lever Park Avenue.

Royal British Legion representative, Bernard McCartin, said about 300 people attended the parade.

He said: “It was the best turnout we have ever had. It was an absolutely fantastic day, a real success. The rain did ease off for us and I would like to thank everyone who turned up.”

In Farnworth, the parade left the Hawkers Club in Gladstone Road, along Albert Road to the Vets Club in Brackley Street, and to the war memorial in Market Street where a service of remembrance was held.

About 500 people attended and the Rev Tony Cowell gave a moving speech to remember those currently serving in Afghanistan and those who have recently died.

Royal British Legion Secretary for Farnworth, Joyce Watts, said: “Every year I take part in remembrance events but I didn’t realise until yesterday just how many people come to show their respects.”

Remembrance parades also took place in Kearsley, where wreaths were laid at the war memorial outside the old town hall, followed by a service at St Stephen’s Church, in Manchester Road.

In Little Lever, a service was held at Christ Church in Mytham Road, and at the war memorial in Coronation Square.

People also gathered to pay their respects in Blackrod and at Dunscar.