THE £3 million redevelopment of Bury's Minden Parade is certainly drumming up success.

In the heart of the town's Mill Gate shopping centre, its official opening has strengthened the historical links between the town and the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.

A special plaque commemorating the Battle of Minden was unveiled during the ceremony on Friday (Sept 27).

Hundreds of shoppers packed the Mill Gate to watch the Lancashire Fusiliers Association's Corps of Drums perform at the official opening.

They marched into the centre as a prelude to the opening, which was conducted by centre manager Mr Colin Nichol, and Bury mayor and mayoress, Councillor John Smith and Coun Mrs Stella Smith.

The mayor and Lieutenant Colonel Geoff Youll, of Lancashire Fusiliers Association, then unveiled a plaque commemorating the 1759 Battle of Minden, part of the Seven Years War.

Mr Nichol said: " I am absolutely delighted with the new development. The addition of more specialist retailers and two major stores will provide a major boost for shopping in Bury town centre. And the help of the Lancashire Fusiliers Association has been paramount to our opening plans."

Coun Smith said: "The development has allowed us to appreciate the importance of the Battle of Minden and its association with our town and link with the Lancashire Fusiliers, based here in Bury."

The mayor went on to explain the circumstances of the battle which involved the 20th Foot, later the Lancashire Fusiliers, and a large French army. Three times, the British soldiers repelled the charging enemy, which was eventually decimated before withdrawing.

Coun Smith added: "On their way to the battlefield, the British troops passed through the Gardens of Minden, which were bright with roses. Most of them plucked roses as they passed by and put them in their headdress, fighting the battle so attired. Ever since, it has been a tradition of Minden Regiments to wear roses in their headdress every Minden Day."

A number of schools were represented at the opening. Proud youngsters of Holcombe Brook CP primary were presented with a £1,000 prize after winning a hoarding design competition. Their colourful artwork is now on display in the new shopping mall.

And pupils from East Ward primary and Fishpool Infants received special plaques to mark their involvement in the Adopt A School project, operated by Bolton and Bury Education Business Partnership.