MORE than 1,000 people gathered at Haslingden Memorial Gardens for a peace vigil in solidarity with the victims of Manchester's terror attack.

Children, families, adults and residents of all faiths and backgrounds attended the one hour vigil on Sunday.

The ceremony was introduced by organisers, loveHaslingden and was attended by Daniel Hodgson, the brother of victim, Olivia Campbell.

Daniel made a heartfelt speech and told the gatherers that his family was left 'broken' by the tragedy.

Faith leaders from the Haslingden mosque on Beaconsfield Street and St Peters Church also spoke.

Vicar Stephen Brown thanked the community for coming out in force and standing in solidarity.

Haslingden Primary School pupil, Sophie Whitham also took to the stand to read out a poem she had written in school.

This was followed by a few words from local community member, Chris McGrane and representatives of the local baby and toddler group, who displayed a handmade wreath.

Melissa Woods, a local singer sang an Ariana Grande song to allow people to remember the fallen victims.

The loveHaslingden committee led the minute's silence to remember the victims of the attack and their loved ones.

This was followed by the releasing of twenty two eco-friendly lanterns to mark twenty two lives taken by the atrocity.

A spokesman for the organisers, loveHaslingden said: "The turnout was fantastic.

"It was great to see people of all faiths and backgrounds attend to pay respects and not allow terrorism to divide our community.

"We had representatives from Rossendale Police and other emergency services present. They do such a fantastic job in keeping us safe and our community is grateful.

"Our thoughts go out to the families, the victims and to the people of Manchester at this time.

"We hope they have some comfort from the fact that we had such a fantastic number of people attend our community vigil.

 "To see so many people come together in a heartfelt occasion gives us all hope that we can live in a diverse community, peacefully."