ONE of the oldest and most ornate churches in the north of England is throwing its doors open to the public this weekend.

A Norman church, St Andrew's, in Haughton-le-Skerne, Darlington, dates back to 1125.

During the 7th Century, most of the ancient region of Northumbria was Christian following the missions from Lindisfarne, and the site of St Andrew's is on a mound cut out by the River Skerne.

An original Saxon church was destroyed by the Norman invaders during the Harrowing of the North in 1068, but some relics remain intact and can be seen today.

The church also boasts delicately-carved 17th Century oak pews and an impressive arced, wooden ceiling.

In the baptistry, there are colourful stained glass windows dedicated to wealthy figures and influential industrialists in the town from Victorian times and the early part of the 20th Century.

Outside, there are aged, mossy gravestones that go back 300 years, along with Crusader coffin lids and medieval grave covers.

St Andrews' verger Brian Robson said: "It is the oldest church in Darlington.

"Most people are really impressed because the architecture and the carvings are really something."

The original organ was built by George Hoggett, of Darlington, and installed in the gallery in 1841.

Foster and Andrews, of Hull, built the current one for £370 as part of a major restoration in 1895.

Opening times for the Heritage Open Days at St Andrew's are Friday 10am to 4pm, Saturday 10am to 4pm, Sunday 2.30pm to 4pm and Monday 10am to 4pm