THINGS that go bump in the night will have a starring role in a television programme about Bolton’s most haunted places Spooky goings on at two of Bolton’s most haunted buildings — Smithills Hall and Hall i’ th’ Wood Museum — will take centre stage in a new TV series about Britain’s ghosts.

Workers have been filmed inside the listed building Smithills Hall talking about their experiences with the paranormal. They include mysterious noises and visions, including children’s laughter and faces appearing in mirrors.

Helen Romaniszyn, information assistant for Bolton Libraries and Museums, said: “One ex-member of staff was pushed up against the wall when she was in the chapel and she had scratches on her arm from it.

“People have heard somebody shouting at children and felt cats pushing past them but when they look, nothing is there. I was here just before we opened for a craft fair one Sunday and I heard children running riot upstairs, but when I looked there was nobody there.”

Ann Melmoth, customer services manager at Smithills Hall, said she has heard strange noises and can often smell cigar smoke in the museum shop when they open up in the morning.

She added: “Lots of people have seen strange things in mirrors and have seen people. I am not worried because dead people can’t hurt you.

“I think it’s great that the hall has been picked for television as it will give it some publicity.”

Smithills Hall, which dates back to the 13th century, has had many different uses, including a Victorian Sunday school, a nursing home and a centre for “wayward boys”. It also contains the footprint of Protestant martyr George Marsh, who stamped his foot in the house before he was burned at the stake in 1555.

Hall i’ th’ Wood Museum was built in the 16th century as a rich merchant’s home.

Both buildings will appear on the second series of Great British Ghosts, hosted by wildlife presented Michaela Strachan, in an episode on UKTV’s Yesterday channel, on Friday, September 14, at 9.30pm.