IT was full steam ahead at Bolton Steam Museum’s bank holiday open day.

Enthusiasts were invited to take a look around the museum at some of the 30 rescued and restored engines that were on show.

The engines were running on steam for the two day event which was in celebration of Lancashire’s history.

David Lewis, publicity officer for Bolton Steam Museum said: “The event went really well. “It is all about telling Lancashire’s heritage.

“Lancashire was a main provider in the textile industry and most of the mills were powered by steam engines.

“When the industry started to decline, some 40 years ago and the mills started to close some people decided to try and save as many engines as they could instead of them going to waste.”

The Bolton Steam Museum is a charity run by volunteers of the Northern Mill Engine Society.

When the mills began to close the engines were stored in engine house of the ‘number three mill’ before it was moved to its current home in Mornington Road.

The society holds 10 open days a year and will next be opening on Heritage Weekend from 10am until 4pm on September 10 and 11.

Mr Lewis added: “When we finished steaming we had about five tonnes of water.

“People are always enthusiastic and love to see the engines, especially young boys.

“They love to see the wheels going round and the sounds and smells of the engines.

“It is lovely to see their eyes open wide when they see them.”