GUIDED tours and rare access to grade II listed Stourbridge chapels are on offer as part of this year’s Heritage Open Days initiative.

Dudley Council and volunteers from the West Midlands Historic Buildings Trust have teamed up once again to open Lye and Wollescote Cemetery Chapels to the public as part of the borough’s celebrations.

The historic chapels will be open to view from 11am on Saturday September 10.

There will also be free guided tours of Lye Cemetery at 11am and 2pm - with authors Jean Weston and Marlene Price who wrote The Lye & Wollescote Cemetery and Chapels: A Victorian Cemetery and its Notable Burials.

Councillor David Stanley, Dudley’s cabinet member for environment and culture, said: “I hope people make the most of this opportunity to explore the heritage on their doorstep and to meet Jean and Marlene who will provide a fascinating insight in the history of the cemetery and chapels.

Robert Tolley, chairman of the West Midlands Historic Buildings Trust, added: “The open day provides an ideal opportunity for visitors to see and discuss with us the plans to repair and convert the building for future use, following consultation with the public during previous open days.”

The Heritage Open Days scheme aims to give people chance to access buildings which are normally closed to the public or charge an entrance fee.

Events and activities are also taking place at Stourbridge Town Hall, in Dudley town centre and at the Council House in Priory Road.

To find out more visit website http://discover.dudley.gov.uk/heritageopenday or www.heritageopendays.org.uk/