COUPLES will be able to marry at historic Mere Hall from next week.

Bolton Register Office is on the move to the beautiful surroundings of the 19th century building, giving it a new lease of life.

Bolton City Challenge has restored Mere Hall, off Brownlow Way at a cost of almost £1 million with an £88,000 grant from the European Regional Development Fund.

As well as weddings, the hall will be available for a variety of uses by the community and will be managed by a new community company.

The official opening is next Friday at 3.30pm by government minister Alistair Burt.

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