FAMILIES are invited to explore Lancashire's heritage free of charge this weekend as part of National Heritage Weekend, when seven museums will be open to visitors.

Attractions include the popular Bringing History Alive role-play at Helmshore Textile Museums and Queen Street Mill, Burnley, as well as the opportunity to see hidden parts of Turton Tower near Darwen or just enjoy discovering wonderful buildings, such as Gawthorpe Hall, Padiham, free of charge.

The seven museums will be open from tomorrow to Sunday, times vary. Contact the individual museums for further details. Gawthorpe Hall, Padiham, 01282 771004, Queen Street Mill, Harle Syke, 01282 412555, Helmshore Textile Museums, Holcombe Road, Helmshore, 01706 226459, Turton Tower, Turton, 01204 852203 or visit the website www.bringinghistoryalive.co.uk