VISITORS to historic Hale Village can now appreciate its hidden gems more easily.

Historical heritage boards have been installed to explain the area’s fascinating past.

The new bronze sculpture of the Hale’s famous giant, John Middleton, has already attracted more tourists to the village Halton Council's deputy leader, and Hale ward councillor, Cllr Mike Wharton, said: "With the popularity of the new Childe of Hale statue and the interest it has generated, we had a lot of people wanting to know more about Hale's interesting characters.

"We hope the boards will be interesting to visitors and residents alike."

The boards were funded by Halton Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The story of Hale villager Robert Molineux, who was the Master of HMS Endeavour during Captain Cook’s first voyage of discovery is captured on another plaque.

He died on the voyage in 1771 and was buried at sea off Robben Island, near Cape Town.