HUNDREDS turned out to support the armed forces as they marched through Bury town centre for the Gallipoli parade.

People lined the streets under sunny skies to watch the procession of servicemen from the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (Lancashire).

The event takes place every April to commemorate the Gallipoli landings in Turkey in 1915, which led to 45,000 Allied soldiers losing their lives and 250,000 more injured.

The Fusiliers were joined by army reservists, sea and army cadets, Gallipoli Association members, the Fusilier Corps of Drummers, Great War Society volunteers and members of Manchester's Turkish community.

Norman Tooth, chairman of the Bury branch of the Lancashire Fusiliers, said: "I think this is a very important day. It is a must have for the regiment and it is vital that we remember the sacrifices made at Gallipoli.

"They travel from across the world to come here and take part. We have had people who have come all the way from Australia."

Ceremonial assault pioneer Charlie Bastian led the parade with three others wielding an axe.

It paid tribute to the "axe men" of the fusiliers who led the charge in 1915, using their weapons to smash down doors.

Mr Bastian said: "It was an honour to lead the parade because it's an incredibly important day for the Fusiliers.

"The Bury people are always good at turning out to watch us commemorate the armed forces, whether it is Remembrance Sunday or the Gallipoli parade."

Before the march took place, wreaths were laid at the war memorial after a service in Bury Parish Church, including by the mayor of Bury Cllr Mike Connolly.

The parade then began at The Rock before heading down Silver Street, past the Museum Saluting Base, then on to Angouleme Way, Haymarket Street, Market St and back to the Drill Hall.