A poignant service was held to remember the victims of the most horrific atrocitie.

The first Genocide Memorial Day in three years was held in the Town Hall, which brought faith leaders, communities and schoolchildren together.

Previous services have had to be cancelled due to Covid.

The event is to remember the victims of atrocities and to raise awareness of people displaced by conflict across the world.

It was organised by the Bolton Interfaith Council.

Pupils from Essa Primary, Clarendon Primary and St Michael’s CE Primary joined in and shared stories from pupils who had been affected by conflict including those in Afghanistan and Syria.

The youngsters had produced artwork to help tell their stories.

There was also a violin recital.

Mayor of Bolton Mohammed Ayub and Bolton Council leader Nick Peel and other civic and faith leaders gathered for the service.

Cllr Ayub said: “It was the first event for three years.

“Kids came here from all walks of life.

“I found it a very good thing to have here in Bolton.”