MAXINE Peake has stepped in front of the cameras again — but this time in aid of a cause that is close to her heart.

The Westhoughton actress is backing a campaign against the development of Hulton Park into a Ryder Cup golf course and more than 1,000 homes.

In a new video against the plans, the award-winning Silk and dinnerladies star urges members of the public to help save the 'magical' land.

The Bolton News:

She called for viewers to 'dig deep' and help Hulton Estate Area Residents Together (HEART) in their bid to raise thousands of pounds for their upcoming public inquiry.

Maxine said in the video: "Local residents have fought tooth and nail to save this magical greenbelt land.

"They have got in touch with the government and have been given a public inquiry.

"With this, comes legal costs in the thousands of pounds.

"So we need you to help us. If you care about saving this land, please would you dig deep and give money because we need to save Hulton Park — not just for us, but for future generations to enjoy."

In July, it was announced that, despite Bolton Council's approval for the scheme, a public inquiry will be held into the application by Peel Land and Property to build on the estate.

The inquiry will be chaired by a planning inspector and is expected to take place in six months’ time.

Secretary of State James Brokenshire will make the final decision.

Maxine, who grew up in Hulton Lane, has previously spoken out against the £240 million 'destruction' of the Grade II-listed estate.

Last Saturday, the actress returned to Park End Farm for the first time in 20 years to film the video and meet with tenant farmer David Hird.

As a teenager, Maxine visited the farm to ride her horse Smokey, as well as helping with grooming, haymaking and mucking out the stables.

"What really saddens me is they want to knock the farms down, get rid of the farmers, destroy acres of mature trees so they can build a golf course and some executive houses", she said.

"I spent a lot of my formative years on this farm. A lot of us spent time here at weekends and after school. It was a magical place to spend summer.

"The farm kept me out of trouble but also gave me a sense of belonging. So I hope against hope we can stop this."

Sandra Hesketh, secretary of HEART, expressed her thanks to Maxine for giving two hours of her time to film the video last Saturday.

She said: "Isn't she a star. Maxine is filming in Liverpool until November on an ITV series. She gave us two hours of her time for nothing before going to MediaCity to do a voiceover. We are so grateful to her.

"We are going to win this."

View the video on The Bolton News website and on HEART's Facebook page.