A NEW app is set to help walkers uncover some of Bolton's hidden historical gems.

Council leisure officials have partnered with TrailTale to showcase some of the borough's classic highways and byways.

No fewer than nine separate walking routes and one cycling route are detailed on the app, with handy advice on where to park, the length of the hike and estimated duration all included with each entry.

One such entry, and a more challenging trek at 3.3 miles, is entitled 'Historic Bolton', and begins on Le Mans Crescent.

Part of the guide displays historic photos, and pocket portraits, of some of the landmarks en-route so before too long there's a lengthy entry on Market Place and Churchgate. Further highlights of the meander are Fred Dibnah's statue, the former Arkwright's barbers shop, Ye Olde Man and Scythe, St Peter's Church, the old Bolton Grammar School and HaAulgh Hall.

Another walk captures 'Historic Westhoughton' and covers 1.5miles over an estimated two-hour course.

This amble sets off from Westhoughton Library and takes in Westhoughton Town Hall, Higher Landedman's, the Pretoria Pit memorial, St Bartholomew's School and the nearby church.

Other disappeared landmarks, such as Westhoughton Mill and Chadwick's Silk Mill, are recounted with black and white pictures, as the walk progresses.

For 'Kearsley of Water and Coal', a third hike has a more industrial theme.

Over the course of the 2.9 mile distance, trekkers will find out how Kearsley, an agricultural 19th century village, was transformed by the Industrial Revolution.

The site of the former Unity Brook Colliery, Kearsley Hall, Ringley Old Bridge, and Fletcher's paper mill all help to tell the tale.

Several walks featured on the app were commissioned by Bolton Council and were funded by the European Social Fund.

Other challenges featured on the app are Blackrod Ridge, Communities of Bolton, The Motions and Works of Horwich, The Mils and Parks of Farnworth and Little Lever Village.

An official launch is expected soon for Trail Tales and Bolton - the app can be downloaded at trailtale.co.uk