Guests from one of Bolton’s "twin towns" have been given a warm welcome to the borough to celebrate a landmark anniversary.

Bolton is partnered with two towns including Le Mans, a city in north-western France on the border of the Sarthe River, and Paderborn in Germany.

As a result of the relationship between the three towns, Bolton holds the International Town Twinning Civic Visit every three years.

And last month, guests from Le Mans came to Bolton as part of a tour which celebrates the 50th anniversary of the two places' twinning.

The civic guests, including the deputy mayor of Le Mans, Sophie Moisy, were taken on a tour of Bolton including Smithills Hall for a tour to find out more about Bolton’s rich industrial heritage.

Bolton mayor, Cllr Andy Morgan, also accompanied the guests as they were shown around one of the oldest buildings in the borough, Smithills Hall.

The Grade I listed manor house, which is built on the West Pennine Moors, dates back to the 14th century and holds examples of various architectural styles.

Over the years the building’s original Medieval Hall has been added to by its numerous occupants over the centuries. The buildings include Tudor and Victorian wings, as well as a private Chapel that was established in AD 792 and maintained by the families who lived there.

The chapel is also home to the War Memorial, which was erected and unveiled in 1921 “with appreciation of those who had contributed generously to erect a memorial to the heroes who fought and fell for the sake of those they loved".

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The hall is also known for its legends and ghost stories including a Protestant martyr who was questioned at the site before his execution in the 16th century.

Also on the premises is the tearoom ran by local artisan food producer, Bake and Roast Cafe, who performed a live demonstration at Bolton Food and Drink Festival last month.

The civic guests were treated to a quintessentially British afternoon tea at the site, including freshly baked cakes, pastries and light meals.

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Cllr Morgan said: “We first met our civic guests in Paderborn last month and were very excited to welcome them to Bolton.

“These relationships go back years and they’re historically important, they’re something we should cherish as a community.

“There’s a lot that we can learn from one another. The deputy major, Sophie, is also responsible for culture who was amazed at Bolton’s rich industrial heritage.

“The guests loved Smithills Hall, it’s something that’s special to Bolton. They were very impressed with the town, its architecture and of course the Food and Drink Festival. I’m proud that we were able to showcase our spectacular Bolton at its very best.”