LANCASTER Castle is preparing to open its doors to show off its architectural treasures to residents free of charge.

Guided tours will take place every half hour from 10.30am to 1pm on Saturday and Sunday, September 11 and 12 as part of the annual Heritage Open Days weekend co-ordinated by the Civic Trust and English Heritage.

Castle business man-ager Lynette Morrissey says: "This is a great opportunity for the people of Lancashire to enjoy a free guided tour of a building which continues to play such an important role in the lives of the community and which is recognised as one of the north-west's premier historic properties".

Dr Simon Thurley, chief executive of the Civic Trust, said "Heritage Open Days have become an integral part of the heritage calendar, allowing everyone, wherever they live and whatever their background, to enjoy, understand and feel a part of the country's rich and diverse cultural heritage."

Full details of Heritage Open Days activities are available from Morecambe and Lancaster Tourist Information Centres or the Civic Trust website, www.heritageopendays.org