Hidden treasures to be open secret; VISITORS WILL BE WELCOMED.

Byline: By LINDA RICHARDS

THE region's hidden treasures and modern gems are to be opened up to the public.

Now in their seventh year, Heritage Open Days will see the public given the chance to visit parts of historic and unusual buildings not normally on show.

They event runs from Thursday, September 11, to Sunday, September 14.

Around the North East people can discover architectural treasures including schools, lighthouses, markets, castles, boats, planes, and football grounds.

Events across Gateshead include a guided pub walk around Low Fell, a backstage tour of The Sage and a look round Bensham's Little Theatre. Families can also watch years of restoration of the High Level Bridge condensed into a four-minute video.

Coun Linda Green, Gateshead Council cabinet member for culture, said: "There's a huge public appetite for local history so it's no wonder that the opportunity to see hidden parts of our heritage, or to take a guided tour through some lesser-known historic treasures, has proved so popular."

Places involved in Newcastle include the Literary and Philosophical Society, Bessie Surtees House, Black-friars 13th Century Dominican Friary, the Guildhall and Grainger Market.

North Tyneside's programme includes the Dove Marine Laboratory, Maritime Chambers, St Mary's Lighthouse and Segedunum Roman Fort and Baths.

South Tyneside features Bede's World, Jarrow Town Hall and Souter Lighthouse while Wearside has Fulwell Windmill.

Last year across Tyne and Wear there were more than 44,603 visits to 184 properties, tours and talks. Tyne and Wear Heritage Open Days has consistently been in the top five most active events in the UK.

To launch the event, TV presenter John Grundy visited Saltwell Towers in Gateshead last night.

A guide with details of all the participating buildings, tours and talks is available at tourist information centres and libraries as well as at www.twhods.org.uk

CAPTION(S):

MUCH TO SEE: Fulwell Windmill will be open to the public and as will the Little Theatre, right, in Bensham, Gateshead; MAJESTIC: Durham University's Palace Green Library will be one of the places on show next week