BURY will pay its respects to the victims of the Manchester Arena terrorist attack by holding a vigil in Whitehead Gardens from 6pm to 7pm tonight.

The vigil will be held at the clock tower in Whitehead Gardens, next to the town hall in Knowsley Street.

The service will be led by the Mayor of Bury, together with the Leader and interim chief executive of Bury Council and Team Bury partners.

Representatives from all faiths and the local community are invited to come together to show their support for those whose lives were affected by the tragedy.

A book of condolence has been set up at Bury Town Hall, which anyone can sign and leave messages between 9am and 5pm on weekdays.

A digital book of condolence can be accessed at secure.manchester.gov.uk/forms/form/1472/en/book_of_condolence_-_manchester

Cllr Rishi Shori, leader of Bury Council, said: “We stand beside Manchester in solidarity at this dreadful time, and offer our deepest sympathies to all the families and friends of those who died in Monday’s tragedy.

“Manchester has been targeted by terrorism before, but the spirit and resilience of its people prevailed then, and will do again. Our shared values of freedom, liberty and justice are eternal and cannot be destroyed.

“I know that many people in Bury will wish to share their feelings about this terrible attack, and we invite residents to attend tonight’s vigil in peace and remembrance. A Book of Condolence is at the reception desk at the town hall for people to sign.”

Between 5.30pm and 7pm, during the vigil, Knowsley Street from Angouleme Way to Manchester Road will be closed. Motorists are asked to follow diversion signs.