THE doors to hundreds of historic buildings were thrown open to the public over the weekend during Heritage Open Days 2005.

Visitors were able to explore a courthouse, tour a prison and peer at Saxon relics in an ancient Norman church, as the attractions opened free of charge.

Co-ordinated by the Civic Trust and supported by English Heritage, this annual celebration of architecture, history and culture saw all major cities, towns and hundreds of villages in the North-East and North Yorkshire taking part in the four-day event, which ended yesterday.

The Grade I listed Anglican church, St Cuthbert's, in Darlington town centre, was one of many highlights.

Visitors got to see its 14th Century belfry and there was a treasure hunt to keep younger children entertained.

And an 18th Century cottage in Scarborough, now home to the seaside town's Sub Aqua Club, welcomed visitors to see its display of artefacts from shipwrecks.

Katja Condy, Heritage Open Days manager at the Civic Trust, said: "Visitors were being invited into places that are otherwise private, to meet people who live or work there, or who know the history of the place better than anyone else.

"Buildings may be fascinating and awe-inspiring because of their beauty, style or status, but it's the stories they can tell that bring them closer to us."