LOCAL landmarks across Blackburn and Hyndburn - including the Citizen offices - will open their doors for an intriguing look behind the scenes. As part of National Heritage Open Days, six buildings in Blackburn and Accrington Town Hall will unveil a hidden heritage that many people would not normally get the chance to see.

The Heritage Open Days, which takes place on the weekend of September 14 and 15, is now in its third year. However tours of the Citizen and Lancashire Evening Telegraph building will take place during normal working days on September 12 and 13.

Roger Edworthy, marketing manager said: "People who attend the tours will get a fascinating insight into how a newspaper works. We brought the tour dates forward so visitors will get a real taste of the day to day running of a weekly and daily evening newspaper."

Other attractions include the recently Grade Two listed building Blackburn Magistrates Court and Quaker Meeting House off King Street - which has been designated a conservation area.

Adrian Lewis of the Civic Society who has been co-ordinating the event said: "Blackburn has a hidden heritage that people should know about. For instance Blackburn Railway Station celebrates the 150th anniversary of the Preston line being open this year.

"There is even a hotel hidden away within the station from the days when East Lancashire was thriving industrial area. Unfortunately the hotel accommodation will be out of bounds on the tours."

In Accrington, visitors will be able tour the Town Hall on Blackburn Road and find out more about the popular Accrington Acorn Trail which has attracted many visitors this summer.

Those who would wish to tour the LET and Citizen building should contact Roger Edworthy on 678678 by September 10.

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