CHURCHES and other historic buildings across Herefordshire and Worcestershire will be opening their doors to the public on Saturday and Sunday, September 16 and 17.

More than 2,000 buildings nationwide will be taking part in the Civic Trust's Heritage Open Days, one of the largest historical events ever staged in the England.

Among them is Malvern Priory, which will be giving visitors an unparalleled view of the town and surrounding countryside from the top of its tower. This will be open from 10am-noon and 2pm-4pm on Saturday and 2pm-4pm on Sunday.

There will also be guided tours of the historic building at 11am and 2.30pm on Saturday and 2.30pm on Sunday.

There is also a chance to visit the Council House in Malvern, a Victorian building associated with Dr Gully of water cure fame. The building, which includes a rarely-seen conservatory, is open on Saturday from 10am to 3pm.

Pendock Old Church, off the A438 at Sledge Green, is a little-known gem. The Grade I 12th Century church, with a Georgian chamber organ, is open on both days from 10am to 5pm.

St Katherine's Chapel, High Street, Ledbury, is a fine example of an early 13th Century chapel, now part of a 19th Century almshouse complex. It is open from 2pm to 4pm on both days. Look out for the 14-15th Century encaustic tiles.

Sadly, the detached tower of Ledbury Parish Church is unlikely to be open, as advertised, for safety reasons. But nearby there are the Market House and the Painted Room.

The Market House is Ledbury's most distinctive building, originally erected in the 17th Century for corn merchants, now the site of weddings and council meetings.

The Painted Room is in the Council Offices and is decorated with unique Elizabethan designs not rediscovered until 1989.

Both are open Saturday and Sunday from 2pm until 4pm.