Bolton is located about 10 miles northwest of Manchester and is now home to around 140,000 people.

Bolton used to be a mill town - home to a thriving industry making wool and cotton textiles since the 14th Century.

Local men Richard Arkwright and Samuel Crompton invented new technology for spinning and weaving, that, helped by plentiful local supplies of coal, led to a boom in the industry that lasted into the early 20th Century.

Visitors to the town will be impressed by the neoclassical town hall, Grade I listed Smithills Hall which dates back to the 14th Century, and Hall I’ th’ Wood which is now a local museum.

Celebrity Steeplejack, and traction engine fan Fred Dibnah was one of Bolton’s most famous residents - and the Fred Dinah Heritage Centre is a fitting tribute to this local character, and well worth a visit.

Embassy and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway is another popular local attraction, and is sure to appeal to railway enthusiasts.

There has been significant investment in the regeneration of Bolton after the decline of the textile industry, and the town now offers lots of good leisure facilities and shopping centres.