AN historic key will return to Bolton in a surprise turn around for museum bosses.

The key belongs to the Leverhulme family and was sold by mistake in an auction at Thornton Manor last month.

It is a ceremonial key dating back to 1902, when Lord Leverhulme handed over Hall i'th'Wood to the town.

Bolton museum staff hoped to get the key at the auction but it was sold as part of a collection to an unknown bidder.

But the Leverhulme family stepped in at the last-minute and bought back the key, agreeing it should return to Hall i'th' Wood, the former home of Samuel Crompton.

A small presentation is to take place at the hall this weekend.

Sean Baggaley, keeper of social history who masterminded the bid for treasures at the auction, said: "We were disappointed when we realised that the key had been sold.

"It was one of the major pieces we wanted to bid for.

"The Leverhulme family had promised it would come to us but it was sold by accident as part of a larger collection.

"When the family bought it back, we were absolutely delighted.

"It is fantastic to have it back in the town and on display.

"This is yet another example of the generosity of the Leverhulme family and their wish to preserve Bolton's history. It will be kept and treasured."