HISTORICAL landmarks and places of interest across the county will be opening to visitors as part of Lancashire's Open Heritage Weekend, starting tomorrow.

More than 50 places of interest will running tours during the event, organised by the Civic Trust.

Among the local attractions will be a guided tour of Accrington Town Hall, including a visit to the council chamber and an exhibition of life in a Victorian Kitchen. Admission is free and you can book your place on 386807.

Free tours will also be conducted around Holy Trinity Church on Mount Pleasant, Blackburn, and St James Parish Church on Cannon Street, Accrington.

Not all our heritage is so firmly rooted in the past however. Blackburn Shopping Centre, originally built in the 1960s, won a Civic Trust Award for its design and there will be guided tours and a talk on Saturday at 11am.

The Victoria Building of Blackburn College will also be open to visitors at 11am on Sunday.

The Galligreaves on Agnes Street will also be open to visitors, who will get a rare glimpse of life on the upper floors of this mill owner's mansion turned public house. The tour starts at 3pm on Sunday. All these tours should be pre-booked by phoning Adrian Lewis on 697492.

Details of other events taking place are available from the Lancashire County Council Planning Department on 01772 261551.

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