Residents in Ashby, North West Leicestershire and South Derbyshire are being encouraged to celebrate local heritage and culture right on their doorstep with a fifth annual event.

Hello Heritage has returned for another year thanks to organisers, North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) and South Derbyshire District Council (SDDC), to pay homage to local attractions across both districts.

Running until Sunday, September 19, the council will be promoting free guided walks, open days and exhibitions taking place at local tourist destinations.

As part of the festival, new informative heritage boards will also be displayed around numerous towns and villages to help residents and visitors uncover nearby places to visit.

From discovering the ruins of Grace Dieu Priory, to the resting place of social reformer Charles Booth, there are lots of unusual and interesting heritage tales to learn about.

Community groups and organisations of all kinds have played a pivotal role in supporting the council in pulling together the events and information for the new displays.

The boards will be displayed in several spots across the following locations: St Helens - Ashby, Measham, Appleby Magna, Donisthorpe, MoiraHartshorne, Worthington, Barrow on Trent, Swannington, Belton, Diseworth, Whitwick, Thringstone, Ibstock, Coalville, Griffydam, Heather, Hemington and Lockington, Hugglescote and Donington le Heath.

The full programme detailing events, exhibitions and walks is available to download at L]https://www.nwleics.gov.uk/pages/hello_heritage[L+]HERE[.L] and boards will also be available online for those who wish to discover facts about the local heritage from the comfort of their home.

A full list of events can be seen HERE

Councillor Tony Gillard, Portfolio Holder for Business and Regeneration at North West Leicestershire District Council, said: "Hello Heritage is a really popular event which can be enjoyed by people of all ages, so we're really pleased to be able to run it for a fifth year running.

"There are some great local attractions across both North West Leicestershire and South Derbyshire and we love being able to celebrate and share the quirky facts that make them what they are today.

"Exploring different places right on our doorstep has played a big part in helping us all to get through the pandemic.

"I hope that we continue to appreciate what we have in front of us, and our Hello Heritage festival is a great way to do just that."