DOZENS of hidden attractions are to be revealed to the public in a major celebration of the region's rich cultural heritage.

Historic properties in County Durham and Cleveland will be opening their doors for four days of free access, as part of the Civic Trust's heritage open days event.

From September 13 to 16, Redhills Miners' Hall, in Durham, will open, giving visitors a rare chance to see the miners' association offices, built between 1913 and 1915.

Also throwing their doors open will be Egglestone Abbey, in Barnard Castle, 18th Century Yarm Town Hall and Kepier Hospital, Durham. The Newcastle Opera House and Tynemouth Priory and Castle are also taking part.

Darlington venues are running their heritage open days from September 20 to 23. They will include the market clock tower and Tees Cottage pumping stations.

Martin Bacon, chief executive of the Civic Trust, said: "Heritage open days give members of the public a rare chance to see some of the best or most unusual properties England has to offer.

"Many are not usually open to the public. There are some really exciting attractions open this year and we urge people to discover the heritage and culture that is right on their doorstep."