Residents are being encouraged to go behind the scenes at some of Braintree District’s hidden historical treasures.

The National Heritage Open Days celebration of history, architecture and culture runs from Friday, September 9 to Sunday, September 18.

The event gives free-of-charge access to some of the district’s most fascinating buildings including Dick Nunn’s Smithy and Earls Colne Quaker Meeting House.

Venues across the Braintree District will throw open their doors at specific times during the 10-day event.

Visitors could enjoy guided tours of St Nicolas Church, Witham, go behind the scenes at the Warner Textile Archive, take a guided walk around Silver End Garden Village, see the interior of St Peter’s Parish Church in Bocking, find out more about Dick Nunn’s Smithy in East Street, Coggeshall or inside Earls Colne Quaker Meeting House, built in about 1733.

Graham Butland, Leader of Braintree Council, said: “Each year we see some great locations opening their doors for Heritage Open Days and we encourage residents and visitors to take advantage of this annual opportunity to see inside our historic venues.

“We are very fortunate here in Braintree District to have an amazing wealth of history right on our doorstep, some are well known but others are hidden away and often forgotten.”

For a full list of local venues taking part, visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk.