For the latest Rochdale news sign up to the MyRochdale newsletter here Precious artefacts including a hidden staircase have been uncovered by contractors carrying out a £17m renovation of Rochdale Town Hall.
The stairway - believed to date to when the Grade-1 listed town hall was opened in 1871 - was found beneath the clock tower dining room.
Whitefield-based contactor HH Smith says the staircase will be carefully dismantled and materials will be recycled for use elsewhere in the project.
The staircase leads to a basement area which is to be turned into a new heritage conservation skills studio, while the clock tower dining room will return in all its glory when the town hall reopens in 2023.
Read more on manchestereveningnews.co.uk