SERVICEMEN prayed for global peace as the town fell silent on VJ Day to honour the memory of soldiers who sacrificed their lives during World War Two.

A lone bugler played The Last Post before crowds stood silent for two minutes to remember comrades who died or suffered in the Far East before the war ended on August 15, 1945.

Standard bearers representing Bolton branches of various associations welcomed the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Kevan Helsby, and the Mayoress, Alice Kilcoyne, to Victoria Square yesterday.

They included the Combined Ex-Servicemen Association, the United Veterans Association, Normandy Veterans Association, the Royal Naval Association, the Merchant Navy Association, the Royal Air Force Association and Farnworth Ex-Servicemen's Association.

Comrades stood proudly as representatives then laid commemorative wreaths at the war memorial.

In a moving prayer, Bolton's Canon Colin Craston said: "We meet today to remember those who made the supreme sacrifice, those who continue to be affected by war and to pray for peace and justice all over the world.

"We remember all those who gave their lives in World War Two and for those who gave their lives in the Far East. We pray for all those suffering today from warfare, oppression and injustice."

As reported in the BEN, this year's VJ Day was also marked by a loud maroon flare being fired from the roof of Bolton Town Hall.

Ellis Bailey, secretary of the Bolton and District Ex-servicemen's Association, said: "It went very well and, as usual, it was quite emotive. It is very important for us and every ex-Serviceman across the country to remember our fallen comrades and mark VJ Day"

President Ken McIvor said: "We feel it is very important to mark this day and we will continue to do so in the future. I would like to thank all those who attended the service and stood silent."

Cllr Helsby said: "It is good that VJ Day is honoured in this way. We should never forget what people in World War Two did for us."