ALL creatures great and small were caught by children on a summer's day bug hunt.

The event, at Smithills Hall, saw all manner of insects go under the magnifying glass, in a bid to educate youngsters on different types of bugs.

More than 100 children and their families went out into the woods in the grounds, armed with nets to catch the various creepy crawlies.

After catching spiders to beetles, ladybirds to grasshoppers and butterflies to flies, it was then down to 'bug man' Don Stenhouse to explain what each creature was and children even got a lesson in the Latin name for each of their mini-beasts.

Mr Stenhouse, who led the event, is a Bolton Museum Curator of Natural History.

A spokesman for Smithills Hall said: "It’s always a very popular event and the children had a great time hunting for bugs."

The event took place in two separate sessions, from 11am until noon and 1pm until 2pm.

The Friends of Smithills Hall regularly put on educational and fun events.

The next will be held on August 29 when the hall will be open from noon until 4pm for special bank holiday tours.

The 'haunted Green Room', which is normally locked, will be open to visitors and free guided tours around the building will be available upon request.

For more information on forthcoming events at Smithills Hall, go to friendsofsmithillshall.co.uk/events/