VISITORS to Pendle will be given a behind-the-scenes look at the best kept secrets of the 19th Century next month.

As part of the national heritage open days scheme, the Heritage Trust for the North West is organising tours of four buildings in Nelson and Barrowford to give people a fascinating insight into their history.

Last year Higherford Mill opened its doors as part of the scheme. This year the former textile mill will be opened up again and visitors will be able to look at previously unseen areas such as the section behind the wheel pit.

Three historic buildings in the Lomeshaye area of Nelson will also take part in the scheme, on September 16 and 17. They are St Mary's Church, which has been boarded up for many years, Lomeshaye Bridge Mill, and Lomeshaye School.

The school will be the base for guided tours around the three Lomeshaye buildings and will also house an exhibition displaying facts about the buildings and surrounding area. There will also be a model of Nelson as it looked many years ago, centred around its railway station.

Other events over the weekend will include seven-mile circular walks along the banks of Pendle Water pointing out several water-powered landmarks along the way.

The walks will leave Pendle Heritage Centre, Barrowford, at 1pm each day and will be led by guide Steve Beasley.

Tours of Higherford Mill will also leave the centre between 11am and 4pm on both days. Both events are free.

Tours around Lomeshaye are scheduled at 11am, 1pm and 3pm and will cost 50p for adults and 25p for children although access to the exhibition will be free.