VISITORS can go behind the scenes of some of the region's landmarks next month.

Fourteen venues, showing the architectural and historical culture of Gateshead, will be open from Friday, September 13, to Monday, September 16.

There will be a presentation on the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, delivered at the Gateshead Quays visitor centre, followed by a walk to the bridge to see it tilt open.

Fans of the classic 1960s gangster movie Get Carter will be able to walk in Michael Caine's footsteps at Gateshead multi-storey car park. The tour includes a visit to the top floors of the building, normally closed to the public, including the site of the doomed roof-top restaurant.

Other tours include Winlaton Cottage Forge, Path Head Watermill, at Summerhill, the Tyne Bridge Tower and the Swing Bridge.

The activities and openings form part of Heritage Open days 2002, which is a national event co-ordinated by the civic trust.

Booking is essential for some events. For more details, contact Gateshead Council on 0191-477 5380, or visit the web sites www.heritageopendays.org and www.gates-head.gov.uk.