SCARBOROUGH is to open the doors on some of its hidden heritage to over 800,000 visitors this month.

Events arranged by Scarborough Borough Council, as part of Heritage Open Days 2002, co-ordinated by The Civic Trust, include guided walks around historic buildings and free visits to local museums, seeing rooms usually closed off to the public.

For the first time, visitors can go to the ice cream factory at Scarborough's Harbour Bar or have a guided tour of the new Waste Water Treatment Works.

Chris Hall, Scarborough Borough Council's conservation officer, said: "Heritage open days have been described as the best day out in history.

"This year the guided walks are part of the Community Heritage Initiative and some will be led by characters in medieval costume."

More than 800,000 visitors are expected to take part in the open day.

Martin Bacon, chief executive of the Civic Trust, said: "It really is a valuable opportunity for people to get to know something new about the community in which they live."

Events will take place at fixed times over three days and some have to be booked. To book the tour of the ice cream factory call Wendy Armstrong on (01723) 375371 or to book the trip to the Waste Water Treatment Works call (07790) 616484.

Full details of the open day activities are available from Tourist Information centres and the Civic Trust Website, www.civictrust.org.uk