LANDMARK buildings across Keighley district have welcomed visitors as part of national Heritage Open Days this weekend.

The annual initiative, which this year was celebrating its 20th anniversary, offers free access to places that often aren’t open to the public or normally charge.

East Riddlesden Hall, a 17th-century National Trust property, scrapped its usual admission fees yesterday.

It has taken part in the venture for several years and the popularity of the scheme continues to grow.

"We had just short of 200 visitors last year and this time we welcomed 253 – we were very pleased," said Carla Weatherall, the hall's visitor experience manager.

"Our normal offering was available and all areas of the property and grounds were open as usual.”

Keighley Shared Church also opened its doors yesterday.

Visitors were able to look around the 1848 Grade II listed building.

Baptism and marriage registers were on display.

Ian Chester, deputy church warden, said: "We probably had around 20 or so visitors and we were pleased with that.

"We had one lady call in who used to live in Keighley and was back here on holiday."

Today, South Craven buildings have opened up to the public.

Glusburn Institute has offered tours, live music, dance and poetry workshops, classic cars, vintage clothes and a Victorian cafe.

And 14th-century St Andrew’s Church, at Kildwick, has opened for the afternoon.