Westhoughton Library opened a new chapter in its history when its £8,000 extension and refurbishment was unveiled.

Mayor of Westhoughton, Brian Clare, officially opened the newly refurbished exhibition area in the library, accompanied by entertainment from members of Wingates Band and The Houghton Weavers.

Guests were also treated to a traditional Lancashire Dialect poetry reading.

Bolton Museum and Art Gallery was awarded a grant of £4,000 from the North West Museums Service, which went towards the £8,000 cost of work.

Westhoughton is the most used branch library in Bolton and the display area was upgraded, with new carpet and blinds, improved lighting, new display cases and an oral history listening post. Improved signage, labels and interpretation has also been introduced to encourage school group visits. There is also now easier access for disabled visitors.

Westhoughton Council gave £1,000 towards the project. The Mayor, Councillor Brian Clare, said: "It's been a great opportunity for the people of the town to work together and learn about their local history. It is particularly good to see the improvements and extension made to the exhibition relating to the Pretoria Pit disaster of 1910, when 344 men and boys lost their lives."