Hundreds of people are expected to visit some of the region's best-loved and best preserved historic buildings this weekend. As part of the Heritage Open Days, many of them will be opening for free. Gavid Havery reports

INSPIRED by the marketplace preaching of John Wesley, the people of Yarm were so impressed by the founding father's words they built a chapel so they had somewhere to worship.

The octagonal building just off the High Street went on to become one of Wesley's favourite chapels in the country, and is the oldest octagonal Methodist chapel in use.

In his journal on April 24, 1764, Wesley said: "I preached about noon at Potto and in the evening in the New House at Yarm, by far the most elegant in England.

"A large congregation attended at five in the morning and seemed to be just ripe for exhortation - let us go to perfection."

Today, the chapel has about 270 members and a congregation of 130 meets in the intimate but ornate setting.

As well as being a church, the Grade II-listed building is also used as a museum and community centre.

The Reverend David Vonberg said: "People say they can feel the presence of God in here.

"It is a place of spirituality and peace, and you can feel the prayers of people 240 years ago."

Originally a single-storey building, a second floor was added in 1815 and the gallery was built, bringing the capacity up to 350.

The next change took place in 1873, when a porch and staircase were added to the wynd side of the octagon.

In 1963, the two Methodist societies in Yarm, West Street and Wesley, joined to form a society of 120 members. They marked the occasion of the bicentenary with more significant improvements to the chapel, including a new porch.

Improvements and upgrades are ongoing and now many groups, such as the Brownies, a bowls club and a thriving youth club, make use of the building.

Guided tours will be on offer at the chapel on Saturday, from 10am to 4pm.

* Tomorrow, Mark Foster visits Whitby Archive and Heritage Centre as part of our North Yorkshire round-up.