THE rain may have continued to pour down on Bolton's Victoria Square at 11am on the 11th day of November.

But more than 1,000 men, women and children braved the weather to mark their respect for the country's war dead.

Each stood still and silent for an emotional two minutes in a scene similar to those being played out in towns, villages and cities across the land.

Maroons were fired in the square at 11am and 11.02am following a request by the Royal British Legion.

But the silence in between was just as deafening and some people openly wept as they remembered their friends and family who were killed in combat.

A touching moment came when Philip Worthington, a pupil at The Deane School, read Philip Owen's poem, 'Futility'.

The crowd -- together with the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Alan Wilkinson, and the vicar of Bolton, Canon Michael Williams -- listened to every word as they circled the war memorial before going back to their daily routines.

And people reached into their pockets for tissues while the homily in memory of those who gave their lives in the two world wars was read.

Away from the square, shoppers in Sainsbury's, Asda, Morrisons, Next and the Post Office found checkouts and counters closed for two minutes -- with both staff and customers observing the silence.

Armistice Day has now been designated a national day in recognition of the war heroes who have died in battle for Britain.

Bolton Combined Servicemen and Women's Association secretary Ellis Bailey, whose brother died in Italy in June 1944, said he hoped the day would continue long after the soldiers from the Second World War have passed away.