ONE of the most important Roman sites in Britain is to open this Easter - for the first time in more than a year.

Binchester Roman Fort, near Bishop Auckland, County Durham, has been closed since autumn 2000 because of the threat posed by foot-and-mouth.

On Monday, a Roman re-enactment group will show visitors around the site, which only opens seasonally, and explain the realities of life in the Roman army.

The fort contains what is believed to be the best preserved military bath house in Britain, and stands guard over Dere Street, the main Roman highway linking York to Corbridge and Scotland.

It is open from 11am to 5pm tomorrow, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday. The re-enactment group will be at the fort between midday and 4pm on Monday.

SHOPPING SLEUTHS: Shoppers will get the chance to become sleuths this Easter when a shopping centre invites them to take part in a detective game. Cleveland Shopping Centre, in Middlesbrough, is giving shoppers the opportunity to track down Detective Egghead and win prizes which include a mini-cruise. Other events at the centre include face painting tomorrow and Monday, magic and balloon shaping on Tuesday, a special appearance by Hagrid from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone on Thursday, and face painting next Saturday.

Waggonway walk: A five-mile walk that will explore the history of waggonways will be led by Hylton Marrs tomorrow starting at Dipton Community Centre, near Stanley, at 10.30am. The walk costs £2 for adults, concessions £1. It is one of a series of walks organised by Durham County Council.

Fun delayed: A fun day planned to be held at Rushyford Eden Arms Hotel on Easter Sunday as part of an effort in aid of Guide Dogs for the Blind, has been postponed to April 27.