MORE than 100 people gathered in Queens Park to remember Bolton residents who lost their lives at Gallipoli and dedicate a new memorial in their honour.

A moving service led by the Reverend Canon Matt Thompson saw Cllr Martin Donaghy, the Mayor of Bolton, officially unveil the memorial.

It features a six-metre-high sand stone obelisk, including plaques with the names of 236 Bolton men who lost their lives during the ill-fated campaign in 1915.

Services were held throughout the country to mark the 100th anniversary.

In Bury, more than 1,600 serving soldiers, reservists, veterans, cadets and relatives of men who fought at Gallipoli took to the streets.

Addressing those who came to pay their respects in Bolton, Cllr Donaghy said: "Like so many battles of the First World War, this was one of the most ferocious that our troops ever had to endure. The casualties were heavy, and the losses were many.

"The results of that campaign were not all that we had wanted to achieve, but nevertheless those men's bravery was the most splendid act.

"It is because of men like that, that we have the freedom to stand here in Queens Park to unveil this fitting memorial to them."

Guests including council leader Cliff Morris and members of the public sang hymns while standard bearers stood by the new memorial.

Trish Wootton's great grandfather, Walter Alfred Singleton, was one of the Bolton men to die during the campaign.

He died of typhoid fever at the age of 50 while serving in the 16th Veterinary Section of the Army Veterinary Corps, and his grave is at the Helles Memorial in Gallipoli.

Mr Singleton, a former baker who had a shop in Bradshawgate, is not currently on the memorial plaque, but Miss Wootton, who travelled from Preston for the service, is organising for his name to be included in the future.

She said: "I was a bit miffed at first that he wasn't included, but after this service in which the Mayor spoke so well, I was delighted to be able to attend, and it will be wonderful to have his name inscribed on the plaque."