AS Armistice Day approaches, it is a time to remember all those who gave their lives in conflict and to show our appreciation for the work of the Royal British Legion.

Last year the Legion responded to over 300,000 calls for assistance and raised over £21million to help ex-servicemen and women. The British Legion's Poppy Appeal plays a very important part in the organisation's future.

I urge the people of Bolton to support this year's Poppy Appeal. To show my own support, I will be joining the volunteers to sell poppies on Victoria Square on Friday, November 8, between 12.30pm and 2pm.

I would like to take this opportunity to invite everyone in the borough to join me on Victoria Square on Sunday, November 10, for the Remembrance Day Service and March Past which commences at 10.56am. Maroons will be fired during the Service to mark the beginning and end of the two-minute silence.

On Armistice Day itself (November 11), I will be joined by the Vicar of Bolton on the Town Hall steps just before 11am to mark a two-minute silence.

Again maroons will be fire at the beginning and end of the silence. I would be pleased if people would also join me to mark this silence.

Thank you.

Cllr John Walsh OBE

Mayor of Bolton