BURY town centre came to a standstill on Sunday to pay tribute to the heroes of Gallipoli who earned the Lancashire Fusiliers their greatest honours.

Around 250 people took part in the annual parade and service which marked the 95th anniversary of Gallipoli.

On April 25, 1915, 11 officers and 350 men of the 1st Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers (LF) were killed or wounded as they stormed the heavily fortified W beach at Gallipoli during the Great War. In the presence of so much heroism, the normal method of selection for awards failed and the LFs were allotted six VCs and ordered to choose the recipients. The “six VCs before breakfast” has since been the regiment’s proud boast.

Sunday’s military and civic parade started at 11.30am from the Castle Armoury Drill Hall.

Those taking part marched to the nearby Bury Parish Church where the Rector of Bury, the Rev Dr John Findon, conducted the service.

At 12.55pm, the parade formed on The Rock and the procession then made its way towards Silver Street, watched by many members of the public.

At the front of the procession was the Fusilier Band and Corps of Drums Lancashire.

Also among those marching were members of the Fusilier Association and youngsters from two Army cadet forces.

The town also welcomed the regimental sergeant major and drum major from the Lorne Scots, an affiliated regiment from Canada who flew over from Toronto for the occasion.

As the parade passed Gallipoli Gardens outside the Fusilier Museum, the salute was taken by Bury mayor, Cllr Sheila Magnall, Brigadier Bill Aldridge, commander of the 42 North West Brigade, and Colonel Brian Gorski, colonel of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (Lancashire).

Lt Col Mike Glover, area secretary Lancashire for the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, said: “Around 250 took part and I’d say the parade was slightly bigger than last year. We are already looking forward to the 100th anniversary of Gallipoli in 2015.”