DURHAM'S unseen heritage is being opened to public view.

Over four days people will be able to go inside Redhills, home of the Durham NUM, the workings of St Nicholas Church's clock, St Chad's College, North Road Methodist Church and St Laurence Church at Pittington for the first time.

They are opening during this year's Heritage Open Days from Friday until Monday this weekend.

Nationally the event is one of the most popular in the country, attracting about 800,000 people.

Tracey Ingle, design and conservation officer for Durham City Council, said: "Last year, more than 2,000 people took part over the two days.''

"This year over the four days visitors should have time to do lots of activities.''

Other venues that will be open include Durham Castle, the grounds of Sherburn Hospital and there will be a chance to see the remains of Elizabeth Browning's birthplace at Coxhoe.

Completing the list are: Beaurepaire Manor House, Brancepeth Castle, Bull Hole Byre, Byers Garth, Old Church, Durham Cathedral, Durham Town Hall, Durham Crematorium, Durham Prison Officers Club, Gala Theatre, Kepier Hospital, Lost Buildings of Durham Tour, Old Durham Gardens, Old Durham Gardens fun day, Old Shire Hall, Salvation Army Hall, St Lawrence's Church, St Margaret of Antioch Church, St Mary-the-Less, tours by Durham blue badges guides and Vane Tempest Hall, Gilesgate.

There will be a programme of city tours and a teddy bear's picnic on Sunday in Old Durham Gardens.

Further information is available from Ms Ingle on (0191) 301 8724 or by telephoning Durham Tourist Information Centre on (0191) 384 7641.

Properties open in other parts of County Durham include: Darlington and Stockton Railway Heritage Walk, Darlington Railway Centre and Museum and the Friends (Quaker) Meeting House and Burial Ground.