MEMBERS of the public can enjoy an often unseen slice of York and North Yorkshire's history next month in the seventh Heritage Open Days event.

Each year, in early September, a number of buildings which would normally charge for admission - or not open their doors at all - will welcome visitors.

The event, organised by the Civic Trust, is aimed at encouraging and enabling people to "enjoy the hidden heritage of their local surroundings."

In York, visitors can see the Crown Court, the Unitarian Chapel on St Saviourgate, the Barley Hall, off Stonegate, the Centre for Early Music and the Church of St Denys, both on Walmgate the Holy Trinity Church on Goodramgate and the Mansion House on St Helen's Square.

To the west, St Mary's Church in Boroughbridge, the Royal Pump Room Museum and St Martin's Church in Harrogate, and Knaresborough Castle and Musuem will all be open.

In the Northallerton area, St Mary's Church will be open, as will be the headquarters of North Yorkshire Police at Newby Wiske.

And in Ryedale, Malton's Quaker Friends Meeting House, Pickering Cemetery and Beck Isle Museum will be open.

There will also be a guided walk around Pickering by Pickering and District Civic Society, on September 8 and 9, between 13.30pm and 3pm.

John Wood, secretary of the Friends Meeting House in Malton, said: "If the public are interested in seeing buildings, towards which they have contributed through English Heritage, then this is a fine opportunity."

Gordon Clitheroe, of Beck Isle Museum, said: "It doesn't matter if you come from Malton or Malta, you can still get in for free. We are hoping to see some local faces in the museum."

Heritage Open Days runs between September 7 and 10. Some buildings are open for all three days, others for just one or two. The Civic Trust advises checking on opening times and extra activities at the buildings before setting out.

For more information you can contact the trust on 0207 7930 0914, or visit their website at: www.civictrust.org.uk

Updated: 11:29 Thursday, August 30, 2001