I WOULD like to offer my sincere thanks to all those who took part in the Weekend of Remembrance, which began with the firing of maroons last Friday to mark Armistice Day.

It was magnificent to see so many people standing on Victoria Square to mark the silence on this special day.

The Mayoress and I were truly humbled on Remembrance Sunday when we walked out from the Town Hall to see the high number of contingents on parade. It was heart warming to see so many citizens of the borough on Victoria Square.

A special thanks to the Scouts and Girl Guides Associations, who turned up in their hundreds. I have always believed that our townsfolk have big hearts, and seeing so many people on the square who wanted to offer their prayers and say thank you to those who have sacrificed so much for us made my wife and me feel very proud to be Mayor and Mayoress of Bolton.

The new format for our Remembrance Concert last Saturday worked really well and it was a thoroughly enjoyable evening of nostalgia and remembrance, attended by over 500 people, and I am already looking forward to starting the preparations for next year and building on the success of the 2005 event. Many people worked hard behind the scenes to make it all happen, which was very much appreciated.

Special thanks must go to all the schoolchildren who took part in our weekend. Pupils from Tonge Moor and Withins Schools joined us to lay wreaths on behalf of all the schoolchildren in the borough on Remembrance Sunday, and St Mary's Primary School choir entertained us at our Remembrance Concert. Each and every one of the children were incredibly well behaved and I am sure their families and schoolteachers are extremely proud of them.

To all our veterans who came along last weekend to take part, and to those who werent able to make it, I offer you our sincere gratitude for all you have done for us.

Again, I offer a heartfelt thank you to all those who worked so hard and played their part in making sure our weekend was so memorable, and to everyone who came along to show their respect and remember loved ones, thank you all for showing you care.

Long may we continue to "Remember Them".

Councillor Frank R White

Mayor of Bolton