A SPELLBINDING exhibition is bringing the magic and mystery of witchcraft to Bolton Museum.

The exhibition looks at whether witchcraft still exists today, its links with ancient religions and 16th and 17th century witch hunts.

Children will have the chance to take part in storytelling sessions, while adults can enjoy talks and a crystal workshop, discussing the healing properties of crystals and how they can be used to promote well-being.

Visitors will also be educated on the role of the modern "Wicca," a form of paganism based on the worship of nature.

A series of four talks will be illustrated with a display of artefacts on loan from various museums around the country.

The lectures will cover the trial of the infamous Pendle Witches from Lancashire and the trial and torture of witches in Mediaeval Europe.

The Pendle Witches became the most famous in English legal history in 1612 when they were hanged at Lancaster Jail for the crime of witchcraft.

Items on display at the exhibition will include a "scold's bridle" from Kendal museum -- a torture device which was placed around the head of a witch to prevent him or her from talking before being led through the town and humiliated.

There are also a number if items on loan from the world's only Museum of Witchcraft at Boscastle in Cornwall, as well as exhibits from Bolton's own museum display, including healing minerals and a "ducking chair."

This seat was used in gauging the buoyancy of suspected witches -- a mediaeval test to discover if a person was a 'real' witch.

The touring display will be presented by the Lancashire Witch Project Group with help from Lancashire County Museum. Sarah Teale, Exhibitions Officer at the Museum, on Le Mans Crescent, said: "From the Pendle Witches in 1612 to Harry Potter in 2003, witches have fascinated us all for centuries.

"This exciting exhibition and accompanying programme of activities and talks will uncover the wonderful world of witchcraft past and present." The exhibition runs until March 20, with talks on February 7 and 17 and March 6 from 2-3pm. The children's event will take place on February 19 at 11am and 2pm. Admission is free.