VISITORS will be able to climb a hidden staircase to the top of a North-East landmark during this summer.

The National Trust is running tours to the summit of Penshaw Monument, near Sunderland, every weekend and Bank Holiday from Good Friday to the end of September.

The 74-step spiral stone staircase was opened for the first time since 1926 in August 2011. Since then, more than 3,600 people have climbed the steps.

Each tour is limited to five people and lasts around 20 minutes. Tours run from 10am to 5pm. The cost is £5 per person, or free for National Trust members. There is a minimum height restriction of one metre.

For more information, call 01947-885-900 or visit nationaltrust.org.uk/penshaw-monument