MEMBERS of the public will get a birds eye view of a town when an historic clock tower opens for tours for the first time.

The Clock Tower, in Darlington's Market Place, is being opened up to the public as part of the town's Heritage Open Days, next month.

The clock tower visits will be held on Sunday, September 9, and - even though council officials only began taking bookings at the start of this month, demand has been tremendous and they are already sold out.

However, there are still plenty of things to do and see during the Civic Trust's annual event, which has been extended to four days for the first time, between Friday and Monday, September 7 to 10.

A total of 18 properties will be opening their doors to visitors, including five for the first time, and three historic bus tours will take people to places of interest.

A spokeswoman for Darlington Borough Council said: "Bookings are going really well. Some tours are sold out and we are hoping it is going to be a very successful weekend.

"The clock tower is sold out, but there is still lots to do, including lots of things in Darlington people won't have seen before."

For more information or to book a place on a tour, contact the Tourist Information Centre on (01325) 388666.