BOLTON'S war veterans brought Victoria Square to a standstill as they held a service of remembrance to mark Victory in Europe day.

Shoppers joined former soldiers in a two minute silence outside the Town Hall to remember the borough's war dead.

They also listened to Canon Michael Williams, the vicar of Bolton, as he spoke of the bravery of those who fought for Britain in the two world wars.

A number of standard bearers from the Bolton and District Combined Ex-Servicemen and Women's Association (BDCEWA) lined a path from the Town Hall steps to the cenotaph.

The Mayor, Cllr Alan Wilkinson, then walked between them to lay a wreath of poppies.

Throughout the 20-minute ceremony yesterday, the union flag was lowered to half mast and the one working fountain was turned off.

Canon Williams, told the crowd: "We thank God that those who fought in the war were willing to lay down their lives for their friends and a just cause."

Police sealed off the square immediately in front of the Town Hall to prevent members of the public from accidentally wandering in front of the cenotaph -- something which marred last year's ceremony.

The service ended with the National Anthem and a blessing.

Ellis Bailey, the 75-year-old secretary of the BDCEWA, said: "The service always brings backs memories.

"My brother, Fred, was killed in Italy when he was 22. He's buried in Italy and days like this give us time to remember people like him."