Bolton will commemorate Remembrance Sunday this year with specially designed poppy markings on roads across the borough.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Remembrance Sunday parades have had to be cancelled.
However, 12 poppy signs with the wording ‘Lest We Forget’ are being painted near war memorials across the borough, or on roads where parades would have taken place.
Local highways contractor, Kays Traffic Management, offered to install the markings free of charge as a way of helping residents remember those who have died in conflicts around the globe.
Bolton is the first location in the country where poppy signs are being painted on the road.
Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr David Greenhalgh, said: “Remembrance Sunday is, for me, the most important day in the civic calendar, and I know how disappointed many residents will be that parades are unable to go ahead this year, and that services at war memorials will not be able to take place as they usually would.
“We were delighted when Kays offered their time and support for free and offered to paint these signs. This is just one of a number of ways in which we can demonstrate our commitment to never forget our fallen and will be seen by thousands of Bolton’s residents over the following weeks.
“I urge you all to still support the Royal British Legion who have been unable to do the same level of fundraising as normal.”
Kays commercial director, Shaun Hargreaves, added: “We are delighted to be able to offer our support as a way of commemorating our war heroes.
“We hope that the road poppies will provide a reminder that although we cannot stand together in remembrance in person this year, we will never forget the sacrifice made by the brave men and women for our freedom.”
Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Highways, Cllr Stuart Haslam, remarked: “We were determined that the sacrifices made by so many were commemorated and we have looked at innovative solutions to mark the occasion in as many different ways as possible.”