THERE will be a poignant new element in this year's Remembrance Sunday ceremony in Victoria Square, Bolton.

The proud old soldiers who survived major conflicts which claimed the lives of thousands of their contemporaries will be joined by Bolton schoolchildren.

Their presence will be a reminder of one of the reasons why previous generations made the sacrifices they did.

The freedom to grow up without oppression is a hard-won privilege and it is a good thing that children throughout the borough are being encouraged to understand that.

Kirsty Byron, aged 11, who attends Brandwood Primary School, will join Khaled Kaloo, aged 15, from Deane High School in laying wreaths at the war memorial on behalf of the town's pupils.

It is the first time that schoolchildren have been officially involved in this solemn and moving annual event and the council is to be congratulated on its thoughtfulness.

Carnage in New York, Washington and Afghanistan has raised awareness of the horrors of war and it is likely that attendances will be much higher this week-end as Remembrance Sunday is commemorated throughout the country.

It is important that all of us are reminded that war -- whether it is against terrorism or traditional nation state adversaries -- has a human meaning beyond dramatic television images and 24-hour media analysis.

Many of those who pay their respects on Sunday will be mourning loved ones.

We can only hope and pray that the children taking part in Bolton never have to do the same.

Meanwhile, the consequences of the September 11 attacks continue to spread.

Astley Bridge Travel, Bolton has closed because of a slump in bookings, but it is no doubt a considerable relief to customers that the company is a member of ABTA and they will be able to continue with their holiday or get their money back.

Businesses everywhere are waiting anxiously for some sign that the war in Afghanistan can be resolved before further damage is caused to the economy.

In the meantime Bolton shopkeepers hope to benefit from Christmas cash which would otherwise have been spent on holidays.