History fans will get the chance to get a peek behind the scenes at Mansfield Museum on 8 September.

The award-winning museum on Leeming Street will be opening its stores to give local people the chance to see the museum’s hidden collections.

Like all museums, Mansfield Museum has many pieces stored away as only a limited number can ever be displayed at any one time. Guides from the museum will be showing off some of those hidden away items which will be dusted off and put on display in the future.

The special Store Tour, which is free of charge, will take place at 10.30am on Thursday, 8 September, as part of the Heritage Open Days events, which take place at venues across the country from 8 to 12 September. Heritage Open Days celebrate England’s history, architecture and culture.

At the Old Meeting House Unitarian Chapel, there will also be the Animals in War exhibition on display, from 9 to 11 September. This features a life size sculpture of Warrior, a warhorse of WWI, along with chance to look around the 300 year old chapel, and be part of a Unitarian Heritage Trail around the town centre at 3pm on Friday and Saturday. There will also be a talk about animals in war given by an animal charity at 11.15am and Friday and Saturday.

The weekend will culminate with a concert on Sunday 11 September at 3pm by the Harmony Choir. Friends and family are welcome to come along to enjoy this free event.

For full details of the chapel’s Heritage Weekend programme call Viv Brown on 07860 824142 or see the notice boards near the chapel off Walkden Street.

Councillor David Smith, Portfolio Holder for Cultural Services, Town and District Centres said: “It’s great to see our town’s cultural attractions coming together to show off the heritage of our town.

“We hope as many people as possible can come along to enjoy and appreciate the Heritage Open Days events.”

Those interested in seeing the hidden collections and going behind the scenes at Mansfield Museum are urged to book a free space by calling 01623 463088 or by emailing [email protected].