A Bolton MP says he will honour the legacy of the Winter Hill Trespass by championing people’s right to enjoy the great outdoors.

The original Winter Hill Trespass took place on September 6, 1896, when 10,000 Bolton workers marched over the hill to regain access to a path that had been closed off by a landowner.

More than 120 years on, newly elected Bolton West MP Phil Brickell says that the issue of accessing the countryside is still just as vital today.

Mr Brickell said: “As an outdoor pursuits enthusiast myself, it’s important that we remember Bolton’s historical role in opening up the countryside to working people.

Mr Brickell says he will champion the right to roam in ParliamentMr Brickell says he will champion the right to roam in Parliament (Image: Office of Phil Brickell MP)

“There is still more to be done to ensure everyone is able to enjoy the great outdoors as only 7.6 per cent of England’s land area is free to roam.

“I’ll be championing this as an issue in Parliament over the coming months.”

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ALSO READ: Winter Hill was the battleground for the right to roam

The mass trespass took place in 1896 when Colonel Richard Ainsworth, of Smithills Hall, unlawfully blocked the path that crossed his land on the slopes of Winter Hill.

This was so that he could practise his game-shooting without being disturbed, but he reckoned without the reactions of thousands of ordinary Bolton people.

The event has since been celebrated with songs, stories and commemorative events.