A HERD of around 20 deer were seen wandering around a Bolton housing estate for more than an hour during a snow shower this week.

The animals were spotted on the Oldhams estate in Astley Bridge as the snow fell heavily at around 10.30pm on Wednesday, January 20.

The deer took advantage of the quiet streets for their urban wintry wander.

The area is close to the Smithills estate and the woodland and moors there are thought to be their more natural habitat.

They were captured on CCTV by householder Mark Whittaker, who observed them for around an hour from his home near Barlow Park.

Mr Whittaker, 52, of Athlone Avenue, said his camera system was trained on the rear of his home when he spotted the late night visitors.

He said: "I saw movement and realised it was several deer.

"I reckon the were about 20 of them.

"They were near the turning circle on Dunoon Drive and were wandering about next to the houses without a care in the world.

"A couple of cars parked up close to them but they ignored them and carried on eating grass on the verge near the stones that are embedded there.

"I've seen groups of around three or four deer in this area before but this time there were far more.

"After a while they moved off towards the roundabout on Athlone Avenue.

"It was a lovely thing to see. They are really athletic and graceful looking creatures."