MANY of Lancashire's historic buildings will become 'open houses' this month, giving local people the chance to appreciate the region's architecture and culture.

A leaflet detailing Lancashire's Heritage Open Days on September 16 and 17 has been put together by Lancashire County Council's Archaeology Service.

Event's include guided tours and walks by local experts, special events at heritage centres and a chance to see some places that are rarely open to visitors.

Last year, more than 800,000 visits were made to more than 1,900 properties and events across England. These formed part of European Heritage Days with around 46 countries taking part.

Heritage Open Days England are co-ordinated nationally by the Civic Trust and are part funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, English Heritage, Warner Holidays, The Guardian, the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Millennium Festival Fund.