SOME of Devizes most historic buildings will be open to the public on September 9 and at some destinations expert guides will be on hand.

The Trust For Devizes is staging a heritage open day that will take in seven iconic locations in the town centre. A leaflet to guide people from location to location is available and there is also a booklet called Devizes Town Trail giving details of important buildings and routes to follow available to buy.

Among the less obvious buildings to visit on September 9 will the be The Masonic Hall in Morris Lane. It has been used for lodge meetings since 1882 and it will be open from 10am to 3pm with lodge members on hand to answer questions.

A favourite of previous tours is the The Lockup at the back of the town hall which dates from 1806 and was used to imprison troublemakers overnight. Richard Ormerod will give tours between 11am and 5pm.

St Peter's Church in Bath Road which was dedicated in 1866 to serve the bargees and their families will be open from 10am to 3pm. Other churches open include St John the Baptist in Long Street which was built in the early 12th century by the Bishops of Salisbury was originally the church for the castle, its governor and garrison and St Mary's in New Park Street which also dates from the 12 century. Both will be open from 10am to 3pm.

S James Church at Church Walk has a tower dating from the 15th century and was sometimes called the Green Church because of its location. It will open from 10am to 2pm and refreshments will be available.

The seventh building on the tour will be Wiltshire Museum in Long Street which is home of Britain's best bronze age archaeology collection. Admission will be free from 10am to 5pm on heritage open day.