MANY of Bolton's most historic buildings threw open their doors at the weekend to encourage the public to view the town's architectural and cultural gems.

Venues including Bolton Parish Church, Hall i'th' Wood and Smithills took part in the Heritage Open Days event, organised by the Civic Trust.

And many of the guides and demonstrators at the buildings added to the mood by dressing in appropriate period costume.

Most of the venues opened their doors for free as an added incentive.

Visitors were given the chance to climb the tower at the parish church and organists played to entertain the crowds.

And people who took the chance for a behind the scenes peek at Bolton town hall got the chance to enjoy a cup of coffee with the Mayor.

Other local places of interest that took part in the Heritage Open Days event were All Souls' Church, Astley Bridge; Leigh town hall; Chowbent School in Atherton; Chowbent Unitarian Chapel in Atherton; the Crown Court in Minshull Street, Manchester; St Ann's Church in Manchester; Manchester town hall; Haigh Hall; and Wigan Pier.

The weekend of events in Bolton was officially opened by Mayor of Bolton Cllr John Monaghan, leader of Bolton Council Cllr Bob Howarth and leisure services chairman Cllr Gerald Riley.

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