SPECIAL tours of Radcliffe Manor will offer residents a glimpse into the town's early history this weekend.

The volunteer-led event is part of the National Heritage Open Days weekend, with historic properties around the country set to be opened up for viewing.

The tours, which will take place on Saturday, will preview a heritage trail to be launched later in the year, which will cover the history of the tower, house, and hall that once stood alongside, as well as St Mary’s Church, the tithebarn and the Bealey family.

The trail will soon be described in a booklet, on information panels, and through a website.

Visitors on the tour will also see progress on the tower site, including the recent repair work on the tower itself, as well as work that has begun to link the site to Close Park and show the location of buildings that used to stand around the tower.

A team of archaeologists from the University of Salford returned to the site earlier this year and, alongside hundreds of local volunteers, worked to uncover medieval foundations of the structure.

Colette Jones, of Friends of Close Park, said: "The weather is supposed to be good this weekend so hopefully that will get a lot of people down there who are keen to have a look around.

"Last time we ran tours like this there were more than 200 people who came, so we hope it will be popular again."

St Mary's Church will also be open tomorrow (Friday), Saturday, and Sunday, with a display of photographs, wedding dresses and Baptism outfits celebrating the church's history.

There will also be a special service on Sunday for people to renew their baptism and wedding vows, as well as organ performances, a quiz, and bell ringing events.

The church is open to visitors to enjoy tea and cakes from 10am to 4pm tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday, and noon to 4pm on Sunday.

Tours of the tower will run at 11am, noon, 1pm and 2pm on Saturday.