Midlands' hidden history revealed

Castles, churches, theatres and even the Express & Star's printing presses will be coming under the spotlight as part of a heritage event to showcase the region's historical treasures.

English Heritage will host the annual Heritage Open Days series from September 9 to 12 with properties and attractions of all shapes and sizes signed up to take part.

More than 4,000 attractions of historical importance will throw open their doors to the public nationally.

The Express & Star's landmark head office in Queen Street will invite members of the public inside for guided tours and give people the chance to see thousands of papers being printed in its print room.

Tours will take place from 9.35am on September 9, 10 and 11.

The Heritage Open Day event, run by an army of volunteers, is the country's biggest and most diverse celebration of architecture, history and culture.

Among the region's historical gems that will open on the day include Wolverhampton's Molineux Hotel, home to the city's prized archives, while there will also be backstage tours of the Grand Theatre, Bantock House & Gardens, Banks's Brewery and Molineux Stadium.

Smethwick pumping station, Smethwick engine house, Stourbridge Town Hall, Walsall Museum and Haden Hall in Cradley Heath are among the dozens of other attractions in the region opening their doors, while people will also be invited to jump on the Big Brum Open Top Buz to get a glimpse of the second city's iconic architecture.

Anyone who would like more information about the open days should visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk

Venues to feature in Open Day

Among the attractions :

• Molineux Stadium. Tours at 6pm on September 9-10 and 3pm September 11-12

• Big Brum Open Buz Tour. Midday, September 11

• Birmingham Cathedral. 7.30am to 6.30pm September 9-12

• Haden Hall, Cradley Heath. 2pm to 5pm, September 12

• Dudley Council House. 10am to 4pm, September 11

• Moseley Old Hall, Fordhouses. Midday to 5pm, September 11

• Stourbridge Town Hall. 10am to 4pm, September 11

• Walsall Museum. 10am to 5pm, September 10- 11

• Banks's Brewery. Midday September 9-12

• Grand Theatre. Tours at 10.15am, 11.15 and midday, September 11

By Victoria Nash