RESIDENTS are being encouraged to turn tourist and rediscover their town.

Tours onboard a vintage bus to places of interest in Middlesbrough and boat trips are on offer, as well as visits to 20 buildings across the town.

A heritage cycle ride has also been organised.

The initiative is being run to coincide with the national Heritage Open Days, next month, when Middlesbrough will present one of the largest programmes in the North-East.

Councillor David Budd, Middlesbrough Council's executive member for regeneration and culture, said: "I think we do ignore some of the good things we have got. I wonder how many people in Middlesbrough have been on the river - not many, I would suggest, because there are not the opportunities.

"There is always somewhere round the corner you have been meaning to go, and this is just the opportunity to visit some places which are not open all the time. We have got some wonderful buildings, but they tend to be scattered.

"If it does anything, looking at our past increases our interest in the future. I think you need to appreciate what is around you.''

Venues taking part include Acklam Hall, Middlesbrough's only grade I-listed building, and the churches of St Mary's, Acklam, and St Cuthbert's, Marton.

There is also a challenge to climb up the landmark Transporter Bridge, an invitation to a guided tour of the town's Victorian town hall and council chamber, or a stroll in Albert Park to inspect the latest restoration work, and enjoy a free skate in the skate park.

The programme includes a unique opportunity to visit the PD Ports boardroom, in the town's Queen's Square, with its stained glass windows, coats of arms and charts covering the history of the port

To book places for events, call (01642) 729729. Bookings are on a first-come-first-served basis.

Brochures can be found at Middlesbrough Tourist Information Centre, or at www. heritageopendays.org.uk