HISTORIC buildings across St Helens will again be opening their doors to the public during the annual national Heritage Open days.

Three guided bus tours are one of the highlights of the heritage celebrations in St Helens that run from 10-13 September.

Open Days commemorate England's architecture and culture by allowing visitors free access to buildings of character and interest. St Helens Tourist Information Centre, in association with St Helens Council is co-ordinating this year's packed programme of activities.

The bus tours will focus on industrial heritage, rail heritage and listed buildings. You can join the Industrial Heritage Tour on 10 September at 10am at the Transport Museum, Hall Street, for a three-hour tour.

The rail track takes place on 12 September leaving the museum at 10.30am. The six- hour journey will take in 10 railway heritage sites in Rainhill, Earlestown, Vulcan Village and Newton le Willows.

The three-hour Listed Buildings Tour leaves the museum at 1.30pm on 13 September and will visit some of the town's finest buildings. To book your place please contact the Tourist Information Centre on 01744 755150.

Many buildings will be open during the heritage festival. These include the World of Glass where there will be tours of the tunnels and cone buildings; the Society of Friends Meeting House; tours of the Mayor's Parlour and the Council Chamber at the Town Hall; the Mansion House in Victoria Park; the Smithy Heritage Centre in Eccleston.

In addition, churches and chapels in Sutton, Billinge, Rainhill and Newton le Willows will also be opening their doors and the St Helens Transport Museum will operate a shuttle bus service linking many of the venues on the 11 and 12 September.

For a timetable of events and more information on the Heritage Open Days, please contact the Tourist Information Centre on 01744 755150.