HUNDREDS of people are flocking to Bolton's beautiful green spaces this weekend as they heed Government advice to avoid congregating at indoor venues.

Bolton Mountain Rescue Team reported that the numbers of people enjoying the hills and terraced gardens around Rivington are almost as high as those usually seen on Good Friday for the traditional hike.

The Rivington and Tockholes car parks and surrounding roads are also said to have been "exceptionally busy" today.

However, in response to the popularity, the mountain rescue team have issued guidance to help keep people safe.

In a statement on social media the group said: "We'd like to ask people to park considerately, and don't block emergency access gates.

"Don't be tempted to take BBQ's with you and dispose of cigarette butts carefully. There has already been one moorland fire at Woodhead last night and the last thing we need is a repeat of the fires seen during past few years.

"If you're walking on the local paths, stick to well maintained ones and use familiar routes. Keep your distance from others.

"Wear footwear with good ankle support - ankle injures are the most common injury seen by mountain rescue teams. The wonderful people in our NHS don't need to be treating your ankle injury on top of everything else."