Thousands turn out for Remembrance Sunday parade in Leigh

Veterans, cadets, scouts, brownies and school pupils were among those who joined in with the booming parade in Leigh, which set off from Ullswater Street at 10.30am.

Pictures: Yvette Clark

They were greeted by thousands of smiling residents, who lined the streets in support of the annual event, which remembers the servicemen and women who died in the two world wars and other conflicts.

After the parade made its way to Leigh Cenotaph at Church Street Gardens, members of the town's clergy read prayers during a service and brass band music rang out as crowds gathered in large numbers.

When the clock struck 11am and the bells rang at nearby St Mary the Virgin's Church, Leigh, the Last Post bugle was played, followed by a two-minute silence, which was immaculately observed.

Wreaths were then laid at the foot of the cenotaph by people from various organisations.

Pictures: Katrina Pope

Picture: Beverley Piddington-Parr 

The parade then reassembled before it passed through Bradshawgate and came to a halt on Civic Square, in front of Leigh Town Hall.

In a speech, residents were thanked for their attendance at the service.

Meanwhile, the community has been marking the efforts our armed forces have made to our country in the build-up to Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day, which is tomorrow, Monday, in different ways.

Pupils at Twelve Apostles RC Primary School in Leigh have been collecting plastic bottles and turning them into poppies to make a fitting rememberance display in honour of servicemen and women who lost their lives in the First World War.

Below are pictures of the display they have made.