HISTORIC buildings will be bringing a taste of the past back to Bolton.

More than 2,400 prestigious buildings are opening their doors to the public for free as part of national Heritage Open Days 2000.

The annual event, now in its seventh year, is being held on Saturday and Sunday, and boasts a record number of attractions.

In Bolton, the Parish Church is a main attraction, with tours and bell ringing displays.

The church will be open from 10am to 5pm on Saturday and noon till 5pm on Sunday for tours with displays and musical interludes. There will be a slideshow by Dick West recalling Bolton's past in the church hall at 8pm on Saturday.

Bellringing displays are taking place in the church tower from 10am on Saturday and 12.30pm on Sunday.

There will be a chance to climb to the top of the church's 180 feet-high tower -- reputed to be the highest in Lancashire.

The tour starts at 6.15pm on Saturday.

Elsewhere in the town, the 19th Century All Souls' Church on Astley Street, will be welcoming tourists between 11am and 4pm on both days.

If you enjoy spooky goings on, there will be tours of Ye Olde Man and Scythe pub on Churchgate.

The pub, which dates from the 12th Century, has a long and famous history and will be of particular interest to English Civil War buffs and ghosthunters alike.

Tours, which include a 30-minute talk, take place on the hour between 11am and 5pm on Saturday and 11am and 9pm on Sunday.

Further afield, Turton Tower, Chapeltown Road, Turton, will be giving sightseers the chance to see the outbuildings including the stable block, kitchen garden and 19th Century semi-restored privies.

Tours take place between 1pm and 5pm on both days and visitors are advised to wear stout footwear.

All the events taking place in Bolton on the Heritage Open Day are free but some of those taking place at the Parish Church, such as he tower tours and bell ringing displays must be booked in advance.

To reserve a place, call 01204 522226.