A BUS made famous by a TV series filmed in the region made a guest appearance to promote a council's heritage open day.

Aycliffe and District Bus Preservation Society's vintage bus, as featured in Heartbeat, was in Darlington yesterday.

It was rehearsing for the part it will be playing in the town's Heritage Open Day on Sunday September 17 when it will provide transport for two guided tours through Darlington's leafy villages, to properties taking part in the Open Day.

Those properties will include the Manor Farmhouse at Brafferton, Mowden Hall, St Michael's Church at Heighington, and Walworth Castle.

Open days on Saturday and Sunday September 16 and 17, offer people a chance to look behind the scenes at buildings not normally open to the public.

In Darlington, 14 venues of historic, cultural or public interest will be open and entry will be free. New this year is an historical tour of South Park.

Other venues, not covered by the bus, include the Covered Market and basement, Darlington Arts Centre, Darlington Civic Theatre, Darlington Railway Centre and Museum, Friends Meeting House and Burial Ground, Polam Hall School, St Cuthbert's Church, St Edwin's Church, High Coniscliffe and the Town Hall.

Tickets are free, but limited for the tours. Call (01325) 388666 for details.