Parade for battle heroes

Oldham town centre came to a standstill yesterday for the Battle of Britain memorial service which took place in bright sunshine.

Veterans, civilians, cadets and Sunday shoppers stood to remember the few who defended their country from the air during the dark days from July until October 1940.

The Mayor of Oldham, Councillor Shoab Akhtar laid a wreath as proud standard bearers from ex-servicemen’s organisations ringed the war memorial, where cadets stood guard.

There was also a parade through the town centre.