A CELEBRATION of Bolton's heritage will take place next month and people are invited to step back into the past by climbing the bell tower at the Holy Trinity Church in Horwich.

The church, the history of which can be traced back to the 16th century, is one of the many places in and around the borough which will be opening its doors to visitors for the UK's biggest celebration of history and culture.

Heritage Open Days has been co-ordinated by the National Trust with funding from People's Postcode Lottery. Volunteers will be welcoming visitors to find dour more about the treasures on their own doorstep and to discover the stories make their hometown special and unique.

They will be able to climb the bell tower at the church. In 1913 two more bells were added to the original six which had rung since 1831 to make the only full peal of bells in Horwich. In

2004 it was found that major restoration work, costing over £40,000, was needed on both the bells and the bell tower. The money was raised though public donations and the work completed in 2005.

St James the Great Church, Daisy Hill, St Katherine's Church, Horwich, and St Stephen and All Martyrs Church in Darcy Lever will also be opening their doors.

During the open days, people will have the rare chance to view the attic space where Samuel Crompton allegedly hid the spinning mule during an outbreak of machine-breaking in the late 1700s, as part of guided tours at Hall i’th’ Wood Museum.

The strongroom at Bolton Central Library will be open to the public where the archivists are allowing visitors to take a sneaky peek at the treasures which might help with family or local history research.

The Friends of Smithills Hall will be sharing the stories of the 14th century building including the legend of Protestant Preacher, George Marsh. George Marsh, was interrogated by the owner of the estate, Robert Barton. Marsh was later burned at the stake because of his faith.

Legend has it that as George Marsh was being led from the Hall he stamped his foot on the flagstone, leaving a mark that has remained there ever since as a declaration of his steadfast faith.

There is a chance to see what happens to the general waste in Bolton with a visit the furnace and see how energy is safely generated from waste.

People can take a look at the town local landmark chimney that was once maintained by steeplejack Fred Dibnah.

More organisations are expected to sign up to take part in the coming weeks.

Annie Reilly, Manager of Heritage Open Days, said: "History is stories, all our stories, and this year, more than ever before, Heritage Open Days is a celebration of that."

All events are completely free and take place during the Heritage Open Days festival between September 7 and 10.

The Heritage Open Days website has details of opening times and dates, and details of how to book places on tours, with a postcode search facility.

For more information visit https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/news-desk/news/heritage-open-days-2017-launches-in-style