YOUNGSTERS and their parents tasted what home life was like in Victorian times before mod-cons like electricity and automatic washing machines.

As part of Family Learning Week, Victorian domestic appliances were brought into High Street Library, Daubhill, for visitors to try out.

Scrubbing boards, dolly tubs, flat irons and even tin baths, usually on display at Bolton Museum, were brought in for the special event.

Cath Morgan, Children's and Young People Team Leader, said: "Lots of artefacts that people used in their houses in the past were brought in and kids were shown what they were used for. "Many children were amazed that people once lived without electricity and they couldn't imagine how they managed."

Libraries across Bolton are holding a variety of sessions this week to celebrate family learning week.

There have been fun sessions of stories, songs and rhymes for pre school children with their parents and carers and "messy play" for under fives.

Arts and crafts, keep fit games, radio broadcasting and activity sessions are also being held for school age children and their parents.

Workshops about schooling and the law, bullying, appeals, exclusions and changing schools are also included.

There are even Out of Africa event where classes can enjoy African storytelling, drumming and an introduction to traditional African games.

The full diary of events check the Family Learning website is at www.familylearningweek.com