MENTAL Health Awareness Week launched on Wednesday with hundreds circling the Town Hall with green ribbon.

This show of togetherness was part of a week of events aimed at promoting awareness of mental health issues and the services offered to help sufferers.

Representatives from groups including the Council, police and Bury College teamed up, wearing green and holding green fabric to promote awareness.

Cllr Trevor Holt, the council's health and wellbeing cabinet member, said: "It was a fantastic event and a huge success.

"Lots of people turned up and we managed to circle the Town Hall, it was a lovely atmosphere."

Cllr Holt's wife Evelyn crocheted 300 green bows for attendees to wear.

He added: "This week is just the start, we want to go on from here and continue through the year."

Lesley Jones, Bury’s director of public health, said: “Wednesday's event was a fantastic way to bring together the public and professionals and show our commitment to engaging with mental health issues."

Bury's Mental Health Awareness Week ran as part of a national campaign between Monday, May 8 and Sunday, May 21.

Ms Jones added: "Around 250 people joined hands and circled the town hall, from council staff to colleagues in the CCG, the police, Bury College staff and social care and welfare students, along with service providers and local groups who were putting on events in the community during the week, such as Bury Samaritans and Bury Citizens Advice Bureau."

Throughout the week events like performances at Bury Market by MAD Theatre Co, health walks and taster sessions at Bury Adult Learning Centre brought people together to challenge the stigma.

Ms Jones continued: "Mental health affects at least 1 in 4 people at some point in their lives, and it can have a huge impact not only on their own wellbeing but that of their families and society in general.

"Events like these are so important in letting people know that they are not alone, and do not need to suffer in silence.

"There is a wide range of support services available, and there are also many things that people can do pro-actively to improve their mental wellbeing."

A family fun day on Sunday in Clarence Park, off Walmersley Road, rounded off the week and fabric from the launch was used to decorate.