IT was a case of onward Christian soldiers for Bolton when church-goers brought shoppers and traffic to a standstill in the town centre on Saturday.

It was all part of the global March for Jesus Rally as nearly 1,000 marchers gathered on Victoria Square at noon.

Organiser of the Bolton event, John Goulding, chairman of the March for Jesus Committee, led the hymn singing Christians through the streets of Bolton, bringing busy traffic to a halt.

Prayer secretary Rev Tony Butterworth from St Chads, Tong Fold, said: "Several million people are taking part in a rally across the world.

"It is hoped to unite all denominations of churches and we pray to 'save our town' and are witness to the love of God in Jesus.

"This is the first rally of three building up to big celebrations for Christians heralding the Millennium."

Churches anxious to take part in the next rally on May 22, 1999, or June 10, 2000, are asked to contact Rev Butterworth.

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