DOZENS of war veterans and members of Bolton Air Training Corps yesterday paid tribute to the young men killed in the Battle of Britain.

They attended a service at St Paul's Church, Deansgate, to mark the 60th anniversary of the Battle given by the Rev Bob Horrocks.

He urged younger members of the congregation to think of the thousands of men who gave their lives 60 years ago -- and suggested anyone with access to the Internet should look at the Battle of Britain website to understand the full enormity of what happened.

The service closed with the congregation singing the National Anthem before members of "80" Bolton Air Training Corps, "80" Bolton Squadron Association and the Royal Air Force Association marched along Deansgate and into the town hall square with wreathes to lay at the cenotaph.

Members of "1471" Horwich Air Training Corps also joined the procession as did a group from the Women's Auxiliary Air Force and Women's Royal Army Corps.

Wing Commander Kevan Greenhalgh, who is Officer in Command of the East Lancashire branch of the Air Training Corps, gave the special salute at the cenotaph.

The 54-year-old, who joined the Bolton Squadron in 1960, said: "It's a very special day and a great privilege to be asked to give the salute."

Chairman of Bolton Air Training Corps and Treasurer of the Royal Air Force Association, George Davies said he was pleased with the strong turn-out having feared the service would be affected by the fuel crisis.

The 77-year-old, who holds the Distinguished Flying Medal, said: "It has been a very special day and we've all really enjoyed it."