A HERITAGE group is offering the ideal stocking filler for local history enthusiasts this Christmas.

Radcliffe Heritage Society has produced a 2016 calendar showcasing a variety of images from the town's history, with some photos dating back more than 100 years.

The calendar, which was funded thanks to a £250 grant from the Radcliffe Township Forum's community fund, features scenes from landmarks including Radcliffe Tower, the East Lancashire Paper Mill gates, the Tithe Barn, and the old Whittaker Street swimming baths.

David Kerwin, the society's vice-chairman, said: "The photos are absolutely wonderful, we count ourselves very lucky to have been able to chose from a fantastic collection. We had a little get together a while ago and this seemed like a great way for us to raise a bit of money.

"I have seen similar groups to ours organise calendars like this and we thought it would be a good idea, seeing as we have a strong amount of interest in heritage in this town.

"The Township Forum was able to help us with a grant, and Carol Jenkins was able to organise everything really well with the printers."

The calendar can be purchased for £5.99 at Radcliffe Library, and includes a carded envelope for posting.

All proceeds will help the society continue to promote the history and heritage of Radcliffe, with their ongoing projects including a display of historic artefacts at the library and the rehousing of the paper mill gates.

Mr Kerwin added: "Our next challenge now is to get some cabinets that can house the artefacts we have at the library. They are expensive things, about £600, because we have to meet Bury Library's standards.

"The paper mill gates project is an ongoing process and things are progressing well, so hopefully we will have some good news on that shortly."

For more information call Radcliffe Library on 0161 253 7160.