A NUMBER of properties across South Gloucestershire will be opening their doors free of charge to visitors next month as part of Heritage Open Days 2005.

Running from Thursday, September 8 to Sunday, September, 11, some 18 venues across the district will feature in the annual event and a free leaflet giving details of activities is now available.

Mel Barnett, museums and heritage officer with South Gloucestershire Council, said: "South Gloucestershire has many outstanding buildings. Some are open to the public on a regular basis, but there are others that just open for this eagerly awaited annual event. These may be homes, places of worship, schools, work places or even a mine in a back garden. We are so grateful that the owners of these properties are opening their doors to us, often providing free tours, exhibitions or just being there to answer questions.

"South Gloucestershire has an amazing secret and special heritage and I would encourage everyone to pick up a programme. Some events are so popular that people need to book, otherwise, just turn up on the day."

Promoted by the Civic Trust, Heritage Open Days is a celebration of architecture and culture. It aims to stimulate public awareness of England 's rich architectural and cultural heritage by allowing free access to hundreds of properties that are normally closed to the public or that would usually charge admission.

For the ninth year, South Gloucestershire Council's museums and heritage service is coordinating a local programme, supported by participating properties and members of South Gloucestershire Heritage Forum.

The Old Cottage Hospital at Almondsbury, Hambrook House and Winterbourne Medieval Barn are just a few of the buildings which will welcome visitors.

Guided walks around Thornbury Castle gardens and a minibus tour of former colliery sites are also on the programme.

A free leaflet giving details of this year's Heritage Open Days event is available from libraries, leisure centre and South Gloucestershire Council's main offices.

Visitors need to book places for some of the tours and visits. Full details of all activities and telephone numbers are listed in the Heritage Open Days 2005 leaflet.

Bookings for Hambrook House, Coal Mines and Collieries Tour and Rolls-Royce Heritage Trust can be made between 9am and 4pm weekdays on 01454 863592.

For further information contact Melissa Barnett or Linda Coode-Smith at South Gloucestershire Council on 01454 865783.