VIGILS have been held across Leigh, Atherton and Tyldesley to pay respect to the 22 people who lost their lives at the Manchester Arena terror attack on Monday night.

Memorial services took place at St John the Baptist Church in Atherton and Market Square in Tyldesley last night.

The previous night there were vigils at Market Square and outside Leigh Town Hall.

Hundreds of residents attended the services, which saw balloons released in memory of the victims of suicide bomber Salman Abedi.

A minute's silence was held at each of the services.

Paul Sargent organised the Leigh Town Hall vigil attended by around 200 people.

The 43-year-old funeral director said: “Nearly everyone who I spoke to said they just wanted to be there to do something. 

“It was a really inspiring event and a privilege to be a part of.

“I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who came.” 

Danielle Fahey, 23, who organised the vigil at St John the Baptist's Church with her partner Elizabeth Eastham, 31, said: “It was an emotional evening and proves that as a small community we can all come together.

“There were easily more than 250 people at the service.

“The police stopped the traffic for us and praised us for doing the event and bringing the community together.

“I would like the thank the community, Reverend Reg Sinclair and everyone involved in the event.”

The Rev Sinclair read a prayer in tribute to those who died and were injured at the Ariana Grande concert.

The Rev Keith Houghton, minister of St George's Church in Tyldesley, also read a prayer at Market Square on Tuesday.

Vigil organiser The Queens pub landlady Kirsty Harrison made a moving speech at the same venue last night.

The 37-year-old said: “It was so emotional but the evening went really well.

“We had people of all ages come and we received lots of donations that we can give to charity.

“It showed how great the community spirit is in Tyldesley.

"I would like to thank everyone who helped us on both nights."