A SERIES of walking tours shedding light on the fascinating past of Crompton ward have been launched.

The walks, run by Bolton Council, were developed by tour guide Suzanne Hindle with help from local history groups and Bolton Museum and Library Service.

Residents also had input into the content of the tours, telling of their memories at sessions held at community centres.

The result is a series of guided walks through Crompton, ranging from a 30-minute stroll around Astley Bridge to a two hour circular walk from Hall i’ th’ Wood.

Ms Hindle said the idea, based around ‘valuing heritage’ came from late Crompton councillor Sufrana Bashir Ismail.

She added: “It’s about capturing heritage, leading them round but then giving them the opportunity to do it on their own. This week is almost giving them a ‘flavour’ of these walks.”

The first walk, which took place yesterday, saw a 30-strong group taken from St Paul’s parish church in Astley Bridge to sites of interest nearby.

It culminated in a visit to ACDO’s premises, in Mallison Street, where managing director Brandon Pilling – grandson of the company’s founder Harry Pilling – gave a talk on the firm’s history.