WHO nose what the cause of the mysterious strange smell in parts of Bolton was yesterday?

That was the question on some people’s lips after their noses picked up a particularly pungent odour.

The Bolton News was approached to investigate the strange smell noticed by some people, which was said to be particularly apparent in the town centre and some believed emanated from the grit spread in the streets.

When we approached Bolton Council to see if they could shed some light on the mystery, a spokesman said: “We’re sorry if this is causing a bit of a stink with some people.

“We’ve sniffed around as to what may be causing it but who ‘nose’?

"We are using the same grit but last night was particularly cold, so we did put more down.”

Chris Green, posting on Twitter stated: “Anyone smell horse manure in the town centre this morning?

"I am sure it came from the grit that had been spread!”

And Amylou responded with: “ OMG it's not just me then!”

Another added: “Was a truck window open? My bruv-in-law drives a gritter & is partial to a midweek curry lol.”

So, the mystery remains unsolved for the moment.

However, on a more serious note Bolton Council has been gritting throughout the borough in response to the current cold snap, which has seen temperatures plummet to below zero.

On Thursday night, a full grit with seven drivers had been actioned at 7pm in response to a “severity two" alert.

Temperatures are set to hit lows of zero today, then should start to steadily rise during the week with highs of 11 degrees Celsius expected on Tuesday.

The council says it is committed to treating as many roads as practicable to remove and prevent the formation of snow and ice.

It carries out gritting on 510kms (317 miles) of main traffic routes.

Vehicles and standby staff are ready to take immediate action.