FIRST came horse whispering — now youngsters in Bolton have been trying out worm whispering.

The event at Smithills Hall saw youngsters getting their hands dirty digging up wiggly worms to get a closer look at how they live.

They also went on a bug hunt as part of the event — designed by Bolton Museum to get children interested in nature and the great outdoors.

Dom Stenhouse, organiser and curator of natural science at Bolton Museum, said: “Children are not always so interested in nature as they get older but they love it when they are four, five, six years old.

“When they are small they are willing to have a look at anything.

"Hopefully events like this will give the children a positive impression of nature and encourage them to retain an interest later in life.”

The sessions are proving popular in Bolton with more than 100 people attending the last three dates.