Comet country’s past will be celebrated this weekend when historic buildings across the area open to the public for free.

Churches, schools, museums, former homes and almshouses, some of which are not usually open to the public, will open their doors from today (Thursday) until Sunday.

The event is part of national Heritage Open Weekend which aims to give visitors a chance to see into the past at some of England’s most historically important buildings.

Stevenage Borough portfolio holder for culture Howard Burrell said: “I do hope people will take advantage of this marvellous opportunity to look inside these interesting buildings.”

Taking part are:

Hitchin: The British Schools Museum, Friends Meeting House, Grace Baptist, Historic guided walk, Hitchin Christian Centre, Hitchin Museum and Art Gallery, Hitchin Priory, Holy Saviour Church, Our Lady Immaculate and St Andrew Church, St Mary’s, St Mary The Virgin, The Biggin, Tilehouse Street Baptist Church, Walsworth Road Baptist Church

Preston: Princess Helena College, St Martin’s Church

St Ippolyts: St Ippolyts Church

Great Wymondley: St Mary’s Church

Stevenage: St Mary’s Church, Stevenage Bath House

For full details of opening times go to www.heritageopendays.org.uk