But, as the saying goes, it’s "always the quiet ones" and with a population of just 380 and no pub, shops or schools, Chorley is as quiet as it gets.

News that the village is a top swinging destination came as a surprise to some residents, who nearly choked with laughter upon learning that their sleepy parish is a haven for wife swappers.

Those we spoke to said it was the first they had heard of it and assured the Wilmslow Express that no such activity was taking place in their parlours.

Graham Worth, manager of Cressy’s Grains, Knutsford Road said: "I am surprised to hear of this, I think we have been too busy working to notice. It would explain the house prices though!"

For the uninitiated, the social centre of the village is Chorley Village Hall, where activities on offer include weekly bridge lessons, classical music concerts, indoor bowls and line dancing.

A surprised John Downs, committee member at Chorley Village Hall, assured us through his laughter that no one has, as yet, booked the hall for any dubious group activities.

He said: "There are other things to do in Chorley! If you are stuck for entertainment there is always something happening at Chorley Village Hall."

Ward County Councillor Marc Asquith said that neighbouring Nether Alderley was a hot bed of illegal "dogging" until police clamped down on the activity a few years ago.

He said: "I’ve never been invited to a swingers party myself but these things do tend to come to the surface eventually. If consenting adults want to engage in these practices in the privacy of their own homes then good luck to them!"

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