GREEN-fingered historians dug deep into the archives to find vital picture clues on how to make their garden grow.

Century old photographs and archaeological evidence have been used to re-create an ancient garden feature at Bolton's popular Smithills Hall.

A £4,600 cheque from the Friends of Smithills Hall meant a formal parterre could be planted up traditional style.

The parterre, a formal patterned flower garden, has now been planted with an array of evergreens in true Victorian fashion. Cllr Bob Howarth said that the overall aim of the refurbishment of the hall and gardens, was to restore the 2,000 acre park to its former glory.

Cllr Howarth said: "Smithills Hall is one of Lancashire's finest manor houses and we are carrying out a sympathetic restoration.

"Some rooms inside the hall have already been restored using the original plans.

"The hall is a very popular visitor attraction and, with the help of the Friends and others, we are gradually taking it back to the way it was when it was a family home.

"It is an important link with Bolton's past."

The donation was made in memory of Marie Mitchell, former vice-chair of the fund-raising society.

Pictured, from left, Mr Derek Mills of the Friends of Smithills Hall, Miss Sylvia Worthington on behalf of her close friend Miss Mitchell, Cllr John Byrne, Cllr Howarth and Mr David Mills from the Friends.