Hotpoint Aqarius model 1100 makes an awful noise when spinning?

I have a Hotpoint Aqarius 1100 washing machine. When the machine is on the spin cycle it has an additional backround sound like something is collapsing inside (sounds like sheets of metal/plastic falling down inside a metal container, is the best way to describe it) the machine. It is very loud and unsettling and occurs approx 10/15 times whilst the spin is on (long or short spin) - meaning it is not continous sounding but re-acurring. The machine works ok but I have inherited it from a previous owner and am unsure how long (or how often used) they have had it for. What do you think this is and how can I fix it?
There is also a stale smell coming from it too but I presume it is because the machine is not exactly new.