THE build up to Armistice Day is always a time of the year when communities make a lot of effort to pay their respects to fallen heroes.

And this year, which marks the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War, people in the borough have honoured those who died serving their country in many ways again.

Community groups and councillors in the borough have also been involved in projects to install willow statues, benches and memorial gardens in memory of those who served their country.

A statue of Leigh-born Victoria Cross winner Alfred Wilkinson has been unveiled at the Pennington Wharf development recently too.

A giant poppy which was created with the help of children from St Thomas' CE Primary School has also been laid at the First World War hero's memorial garden at Leigh Cemetary.

Hundreds of poppies from different schools have also been planted there by funeral director Paul Sargent and his nine-year-old son James.

Paul was also instrumental in organising the restoration of Alfred's resting place this year.

Some of the broken poppies have also been laid at the Victoria Cross winner's grave, an idea suggested by James.

Leigh Journal:

James Sargent, nine, at the grave of Alfred Wilkinson VC where broken poppies have been laid

At St Mary the Virgin, Leigh Parish Church, an exhibition called Lest We Forget has been held there since Thursday, November 1.

Displays about the history of the Great War, the Pals battalions and Alfred Wilkinson VC are some of the topics that the exbition has focused on.   

Leigh Journal:

Some of the artefacts on display at St Mary the Virgin, Leigh Parish Church's Lest We Forget exhibition

In Tyldesley, Garrett Hall Primary School pupils used plastic bottles to create a display draped outside its building which listed the names of men from the town who lost their lives during the First World War.

One of the Garrett Lane school's pupils, Lewis Westwell, 11, sold toffee apples that he made after buying the ingredients from some of his birthday money to raise £220 for the Royal British Legion (RBL).

He went round houses near where he lives in Tyldesley last Sunday to sell the treats with his friend Samuel Bowling-Jones before his classmates bought them at school this week.

Leigh Journal:

Lewis Westwell with a couple of toffee apples and money made from the sales

His mum Cathy said: "Me and Mark (Lewis' dad) are very proud of Lewis. 

"He always wants to do something to help people, and for the last few years on his birthday, he has raised money for different causes. 

"He raised money for the RBL last year and he has done it for Atherton and Leigh Foodbank and Children in Need.

"As well as the profit he made from selling the toffee apples, Lewis also donated the £50 from his birthday money that he spent in the first place to buy the ingredients.

"He is a scout at the 5th Tyldesley Scout Group which is so positive for him to be involved in and gives him a sense of community.

"I think he is a brilliant advert for young people and shows that youngsters do want to help if they are given a chance."

Fred Longworth High School also held a special assembly on Wednesday for Year Seven students where members of the Royal British Legion were invited in to talk to them.

The veterans discussed their own experience of serving in the armed forces and the importance of Remembrance Day before music teacher Brian Taylor played wartime bugle The Last Post.  

In Atherton, Union Flags have been put up outside shops in the town centre in time for today's parade.

A memorial garden at Atherton Park on Cambridge Street and Hamilton has also been unveiled.

Leigh Journal:

The memorial garden at Atherton Park  

Lowton St Mary's CE Primary School pupils have also created a remembrance garden to reflect on the reasons why people cemmemorate Remembrance Sunday.

Each child made a poppy which was added to the garden and the school have taken part in a host of reflective activities recently too.

Children at Pirates and Tiaras creche in Atherton got creative by making an artwork window display fit for the occasion.

Golborne House activities co-ordinator Elizabeth Bates and resident Barbara Harvey made large poppies and put them on the front of the Derby Road building to show the care home's support.

For details about the parades and services in the area today click here.