A HANDFUL of lucky people will get a glimpse behind the four famous faces of a Darlington landmark.

There will be 32 places available on tours of the town clock, as the monument opens for one day later this year.

It is the sixth year that the clock has been opened to the public as part of the annual heritage open weekend that runs from September 9 to 11.

As the visits are likely to be popular, people who want to join the tour are advised to book as soon as the hotline goes live at 9am on Monday.

Visitors, in groups of four, will be given a guided tour by markets manager Peter Wilson on Sunday, September 11. Mr Wilson said: "People have different reasons for going up, some because it is a birds' eye view of Darlington, others are clock or bell buffs," he said.

"It is synonymous with Darlington, almost everything the council produces, has the clock on it."

The clock was designed and built by Alfred Waterhouse in 1863 and features bells cast by Warner & Sons, who also cast Big Ben.

Mr Wilson, who has worked with the clock for 32 years, had to hand wind it from 1973 to 1977, before it was refurbished and electrics installed.

He said: "It is basically a huge version of a grandfather clock."

Bookings for the free guided tour of the clock tower can be made by calling (01325) 388582.

Further details of events throughout the heritage weekend will be available soon on Darlington Borough Council's website at www.visitdarlington. net or call (01325) 388666.