STEAM enthusiasts, or those who want to find out more about the revolutionary form of energy that transformed a nation, should go to Bolton Steam Museum's free open days next month.

Between 10am and 4pm on May 5 and 6, you can see some of the the Mornington Road museum's steam engine in action. Most of them are well over 100 years old and one of them is 180.

As the museum is a charity run by volunteers, it relies on events like the forthcoming May Day Steamings to keep going.

The volunteers, from the Northern Mill Engine Society, aim to preserve some of the stationary steam engines which drove the cotton mills of the North of England.

The museum is housed in an original warehouse which used to store the bales of raw cotton for Atlas Mills. The collection of 30 engines is now one of the largest in the country. Visitors can see these magnificent machines close-up and appreciate how they once provided the power for the Industrial Revolution. For details visit: www.nmes.org