TRAFFORD'S most historic buildings will be there to be explored as part of the Heritage Open Days.

Heritage Open Days (HODS) run by the Civic Trust and English Heritage nationally and gives the borough's residents the chance to get up close and personal with the area's past.

Executive Councillor for Communities and Partnerships, John Lamb, who is championing the opening of Altrincham Town Hall said: “This is a great way to celebrate some of the borough’s most beloved and historic buildings."

The buildings which will be taking part in the open days include the Watling Gate, bequeathed to Trafford Council by Colonel C E Newton, a First World War veteran. This will feature a heritage trail displaying his efforts during the First World War.

Other places taking part include Dunham Road Unitarian Chapel, which will be marking its 200th anniversary, St Michael’s Church in Flixton and St Paul’s Parish Church in Sale.

There is also a guided tour around Sale/Brooklands Cemetery, the final resting place of James Prescott Joule (scientist), Dr Richard Pankhurst (husband of the Suffragette Emmeline), John Benjamin Dancer, John Brogden, Edwin Gibb, Edward Hulton and many more.

* The Heritage Open Days run from September 11-14 and anyone interested in finding out more should visit heritageopendays.org.uk/directory/laa/Trafford.