HISTORIC Smithills Hall is gearing up for a number of exciting projects over the next year.

A Christmas programme will include a fun day on December 16 at which children can make their own decorations.

The United Co-op has also selected the Hall for a major exhibition on the history of the co-operative movement in Bolton which will last for six months. A new weather station, to be built by the Royal Meteorological Society is also expected to draw the crowds.

It will also be used by students from the nearby Smithills School and Bolton Sixth Form College North Campus.

Financial director of Smithills Hall trustees, Alan Greenhalgh said: "We hope that collectively these plans will see a big increase in the number of people visiting the Hall."