ANCIENT and fascinating buildings all over East Lancashire opened their doors to visitors over the weekend as part of the Europe-wide Heritage Open Days event.

Historians told the stories behind the churches, mills and villages on guided tours as part of England's contribution to the event taking place in 44 countries.

Accrington's town centre church of St James, which dates back to 1546, was on view on Saturday to visitors, as was the 18th Century Goodshaw Baptist Chapel, Crawshawbooth, which is still complete with its original furnishings. There were tours of the chapel and the parish church was open to visitors.

Slaidburn Heritage Centre held an exhibition about the Hodder Valley Show, which took place in the village on Saturday.

Higherford Mill, Barrowford, also opened its doors to touring parties, who were able to see relics from the former water and steam cotton mill's past.

The 19th Century mill was saved from demolition last year and is now owned by the Heritage Trust for the North West. Staff led tours from nearby Pendle Heritage Centre of the mill and other parts of the Higherford Conservation Area.

Pepper Hill Barn, Wycoller Country Park, near Colne, and Bancroft Mill, Barnoldswick, the last of 13 mills to be built in the town when it started weaving in 1920, also opened their doors.

Yesterday, the annual East Lancashire Heritage Group historic vehicle cavalcade wound its way from Helmshore Industrial Museum to Towneley Hall, Burnley, via the Weavers' Triangle, Burnley, and Queen Street Mill, Harle Syke. The line-up of around 50 vehicles, the oldest a 1913 Ford Model T, was set on its way by the Mayor of Rossendale, Councillor Alan Neal.

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