FORMER Coronation Street star Julie Hesmondhalgh told how she loved coming to Bolton as she joined children in the town to celebrate the arrival of spring.

Bolton Library and Museum put on an event inspired by The Lost Words, a book designed to help children connect to the natural world.

Julie delighted children with her reading of the book, enchanting visitors with spell-like poems about animals and plants, including otters, kingfishers and dandelions.

The Lost Words was written in response to the loss of everyday nature words - among them ‘acorn’, ‘bluebell’ and ‘wren’.

She told The Bolton News: "It was a lovely event and I love coming to Bolton, I’ve been here a few times for different things.

“I like the book and it’s true that children don’t know these words because they’re not getting out as much anymore.

“I have the book myself and have been gifting it to people because I think it’s so beautiful, the illustrations are amazing.”  The Lost Words was written in response to the loss of everyday nature words - among them ‘acorn’, ‘bluebell’ and ‘wren’, Children enjoyed listening to the reading and taking part as they answered questions.

A nature themed marble run winded its way through Central Library for visitors to roll down natural treasures such as acorns, pine cones, conkers and pebbles, and families could take part in a huge game of hide and seek to find the animal characters from The Lost Words.

Giant swallow puppets swooped through the air in a performance from Bird in the Hand Theatre.

The library was filled with the soothing sounds of cellist Sarah Smout, who performed her nature-inspired music throughout the day.

The award-winning event was put on by producers Wild Rumpus, and was designed for families to lose themselves in the wonder of literature and the natural world.