MORE than 30 historic buildings will be opening their doors to the public as part of a free national event.

Visitors will be able to discover Staffordshire and Cheshire's hidden treasures as part of the annual Heritage Open Days event.

Last year, more than one million visitors descended on England's unique buildings, churches, factories and tunnels.

The event, which runs from Thursday to Sunday, will give families the chance to experience historic buildings for free – many of which are normally closed to the public.

Little Moreton Hall, near Congleton, Biddulph Grange Garden and the newly-refurbished Bethesda Methodist Chapel in Hanley are just three of the places opening their doors as part of the annual event.

Historian and The Sentinel columnist Fred Hughes, of Burslem, has been involved with Heritage Open Days since it was established in 1994.

He said: "I think this event is probably the most exciting of the year.

"I have been involved with it for more than 15 years and have taken part in numerous walks and talks which take place around the city.

"The event opens the doors for the public to dive into some of the most important history of buildings and to learn some fascinating facts about the city's heritage and people should be snapping up the chance to take advantage of that."

The free event is the country's contribution to European Heritage days, which 49 countries participate in.

The Friends of Chatterley Whitfield group are to host a series of tours at the site, which has ancient monument status.

Chatterley Whitfield Colliery, near Tunstall, is normally closed and only opens to the public for the heritage event.

Group member Jim Worgan, of Newcastle, said: "There will be six tours taking 20 people around the site in hourly intervals on Saturday.

"Visitors will get the chance to visit three buildings on-site, the lamphouse, engine house and deployment centre.

"It's a popular event and we have sold out of tickets for the 11th successive year."

There are 20 places taking part throughout Staffordshire and 15 in south Cheshire.

Dr Simon Thurley, chief executive at English Heritage, which co-ordinates the event, said: "Heritage Open Days is about people and places; it celebrates community and reflects the importance of the built environment in our lives and to our quality of life.

"It is organised by local people who dedicate their spare time to opening properties and staging activities, and it is their knowledge and enthusiasm that makes Heritage Open Days happen."