THOUSANDS of people will get a fascinating peek behind the ageing doors of historic buildings as part of Heritage Open Days this weekend.

Volunteers at hundreds of venues in York and across North and East Yorkshire will be taking part in the diverse celebration of architecture, history and culture from Thursday until Sunday. The Civic Trust and English Heritage is co-ordinating the mammoth event that is expected to attract a record number of visitors.

Across the country, more than 26,000 volunteers from all walks of life will be opening sites for free, giving tours and demonstrating skills.

In North Yorkshire, there are 133 properties taking part, 14 in the East Riding, 138 in West Yorkshire and 31 in South Yorkshire.

They include the former Ellerton Priory church, 12 miles south-east of York, which is celebrating its tenth birthday after a charitable trust rescued it from dereliction.

The church will be open on Sunday from 10.30am with home-made refreshments, local produce and plants and Christmas and gift cards. There will also be guided walks.

In York, All Saints' Church, North Street, will offer a tour in words and music and Holy Trinity Church, Goodramgate, will feature live music by York guitarist Peter Smith.

In Northallerton the grade one listed St Peter's Church, which was an early inspiration for author Lewis Carroll, whose father was rector there from 1843 to 1868, will be open.

In Whitby, All Saints' Church, Ugglebarnby, will give visitors the opportunity to see a rare image of Judas Iscariot as well as its unusual decorated roof.

Dr Simon Thurley, English Heritage's chief executive, said: "Heritage Open Days is Britain's biggest celebration of history and culture. Hundreds of thousands of people take part across the country.

"Each year a new range of properties and communities become involved so even if you are a veteran of Heritage Open Days there is something new to see and do."

"Who hasn't wandered past buildings in their street and wondered what lies behind those doors? Now is your chance to find out. We're inviting everyone to come along and join in."

Rachel Lee, of English Heritage in North Yorkshire, said there were 30 per cent more properties taking part than two years ago. She said: "Buildings of every age, style and function throw open their doors and take part, from Buddhist temples to parish churches, castles to factories, town halls to tithe barns."

Getting behind the scenes at a historic site near you

York: St Saviourgate. Great Unitarians in York And Beyond at St Saviourgate Unitarian Chapel, pictured. Open Saturday and Sunday from 10.30am.

All Saints' Church, North Street. A tour in words and music. Open Saturday and Sunday 2pm.

Holy Trinity Church, Goodramgate. Guitar music with Peter Smith. Open Saturday, from 2pm, at half- hour intervals.

St Mary's House, 66 Bootham. Explore the Victorian townhouse from cellar to attic. Open Sat at 11am and 1pm. Pre-book on 01904 671417.

St Paul's Church, Heslington. Open Saturday from 10am.

Easingwold area: All Hallows' Church, Sutton-on-the-Forest. Known for its connection with author Laurence Sterne who was vicar from 1738 to 1760. Organ recitals throughout the day. Open Saturday 10am.

St Cuthbert's Church, Crayke. Church dates from 1436 and contains attractive Jacobean pews and pulpit. Open Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9am.

Helmsley area: All Saints' Church, Hawnby. Medieval church alongside River Rye. Open Sunday from 11am.

All Saints' Church, Old Byland. Anglo-Saxon church noted for Saxon sundial. Open for talk and tour on Saturday at 3pm. Teas from 2pm.

Malton area: Methodist Church, Saville Street. Tours on request. Open Saturday from 10am, Sunday from 11am.

St Botolph's Church, Bossall. Late 12th century cruciform building. Open Saturday and Sunday from 11am.

St John's Church, Whitwell-on-the-Hill, Guided walk. Open for tour on Saturday at 11am.

Selby: All Saints' Church, Sherburn-in-Elmet. Open Saturday from 10am and Sunday from 12am.

Church of St Mary the Virgin, Hemingbrough. 12th century church with magnificent 15th century spire. Open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am and Sunday from noon.

East Yorkshire: Beverley Friary, Friar's Lane. Open Sunday from 11am.

East Yorkshire Magistrates' Court, Champney Road, Beverley. Open Saturday from 10am.

Pocklington School, West Green. Open Saturday from 2pm.

Updated: 10:23 Monday, September 05, 2005