A POIGNANT wreath laying ceremony was carried out by former seamen and the Mayor of Bolton to commemorate Merchant Navy Day.

The ceremony outside the town hall also included young Bolton sea cadets affiliated to TS Dido, who paraded in honour of those who lost their lives at sea.

Tom McFarlane, a member of the Farnworth Ex-Servicemen's Association, welcomed the Mayor, Cllr Kevan Helsby, to the ceremony and said: "One of our association's aims is to perpetuate and honour the memory of those who have lost their lives in the service of the Merchant Navy."

He said that everyone in attendance should "remember all the seafarers who lost their lives to the cruel sea" during a two-minute silence. The Mayor and Merchant Seaman representative Fred Saunders laid wreaths at the war memorial during the service. One bore the message: "In memory of those who have only white topped waves as their headstones."

The ceremony is the second of what is to be an annual event and has pleased former seamen who say they feel the Merchant Navy is often forgotten.

Treasurer of Farnworth Ex-Servicemen's Association, Norman Davis said: "It is only just starting to be recognised. A ceremony like this is tantamount to Remembrance Day and it means a lot."

Friend and fellow member, Joe Syddall said: "It gives us a chance to remember."