HORWICH Heritage recently opened the doors to their newest exhibition ‘On Our Doorstep: The West Pennine Moors’, giving people an insight into the history of the hidden gem.

After welcoming almost 100 visitors on July 20, the exhibition aims to showcase its history from pre-historic times, when it was once considered a ‘hive of industry’.

The exhibition, which runs until September 5 at the Heritage Centre on Longworth Road, was opened by the Deputy Mayor of Horwich, Councillor Steven Chadwick.

Among other guests were a range of experts and archaeologists, including Ian Trumble from the Bolton museum, who was on hand to examine items that people had found on the moors.

Stuart Whittle, Chairman of Horwich Heritage, said there has been a growing interest since the exhibition opened.

“It was a terrific turnout and the exhibition has been seeing a steady flow ever since,” he said.

“The place was buzzing with people wanting to find out more information on the moors. It was a great day and we hope the interest will continue.”

Visitors were left impressed by the quality of the exhibition, which included labelled artefacts and pictures of a time when the Moors were used by ‘hardy souls’ to make a living.

Representatives from the Smithills Woodland Trust also payed a visit to tell visitors about where to look when finding more evidence of its fascinating history.

The Moors, which stretches from Bolton to Blackburn, are today seen as a recreation resource for people across the region, with the Heritage trust hoping to now shed some light on its once colourful past.

Much of the landscape, including Rivington and its surrounding moorland was a ‘militarised zone’ during the second world war, leaving many munitions still being found by passers-by today.

“Having the experts there really drew people in. People want to know how people used to live and work,” said Stuart, from Bolton.

“Some of the experts brought artefacts they had found, which helped teach people about its history.”

The exhibition is now aiming to get people over their doorsteps in supporting the Heritage Trust and to find out more about the moors and its past.

The Horwich Heritage Centre is open every weekday from 2-4pm and Saturday mornings from 10 – 12.30. Further information can be found on their website at horwichheritage.co.uk