YOUNG time-travellers stepped back to the past to find out how the Victorians used to live.

Smithills Hall staged the Victorian experience for its young visitors and their families as part of the hugely successful Fantastic Fridays season running throughout the summer holiday.

The historic hall has a significant place in the history of Bolton and children dressed up and and "re-lived" the days of when Queen Victoria was on the throne.

Youngsters dressed in the fashion of the time experienced life as a kitchen scullery maid to a footman, who was tasked with cleaning the boots and shoes.

The children took part in many activities designed to bring the past alive.

The Victorian experience is one of the many themed days being held at the Smithills Hall, one of the oldest and best preserved manor houses in the North West of England, which was a family homed for more than 700 years.

Children have enjoyed medieval jewellery making, and on August 28 they will enjoy life under the reign of Henry VIII as the hall stages the Tudor experience while on September 4 families can learn about heraldry and make their own shield

Admission is just £1 and under fives get in free.

Bolton Council’s cabinet member for culture Cllr John Byrne said: "The Fantastic Fridays are great, it is about getting youngsters interested in history.

"This is a way of promoting history in their local area, and the looks on the children's faces when they are taking part in the activities is just brilliant."

He added: "The staff and volunteers are always coming up with something new they do a fantastic job.

"It just gets better and better and we have had more people here this year than last year."