Bolton Museum Shop's latest addition to its stock is designed to make customers sit up and take note . . . That is because the outlet has started selling didgeridoos!

The ancient instrument may well be associated with a culture on the opposite side of the world, but these didgeridoos are Bolton made.

Marcus Mellor, of Kearsley, is the man behind the didgeridoos, which are handcrafted, designed and painted in tribal patterns.

Margaret Barton, at the Bolton Museum Shop, explained: "We are interested in anything like this that is handcrafted, and are always keen to give people an outlet for their talent.

"The didgeridoos are creating a great deal of interest. We had only had them in for 10 days, when we sold one.

"They are very nicely presented and each has a different design painted on.

"Our chief museum officer has already been down to try his hand, and has actually managed to play the instrument.

"I've tried, but don't think I've enough strength to blow hard enough.

"We like to have something different in the shop for people to see."

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