A SERIES of events celebrating the history of Halton will take place over the next week.

Historic buildings and organisations across Runcorn and Widnes will be opening their doors to the public as part of the national Heritage Open Days - boasting everything from guided tours to pop-up museums.

A host of events will celebrate ‘extraordinary’ women of the area, beginning at the Hatton Show from 1.30pm to 4pm on Saturday, September 8.

The Daresbury District Heritage Group’s display will cover everything from Bessie Dutton and Deborah Ellam to the Earp sisters, while the Preston Brook and District History Group will delve into the lives of two sisters who went on to become nurses.

Halton Lea Library will host a talk by the Runcorn Historical Society at 12pm on Saturday, September 8, covering females dating back to Ethelfleda in the 10th century – with archive library materials also on display.

St Peter’s Church in Sutton Weaver will profile two women buried in its graveyard between 10am and 4pm on Saturday, September 8.

Chloe Gambia was a slave girl who worked on the Aston estate and rose to the rank of housekeeper, while Catherine Harrison was a renowned portrait artist of the late 18th century.

Residents’ memories will be shared during an event at St Marie’s Church in Widnes celebrating the role played by women in the community – taking place between 2pm and 4pm on Sunday, September 9.

St John's Church in Weston will display photographs and biographies of notable women of the area from 7.30pm to 9pm on Friday, September 14, and 10am to 3pm on Saturday, September 15.

And an event at the Lewis Carroll Centre from 7.30pm on Thursday, September 13, will also celebrate 'extraordinary' women of the area.

The Lewis Carroll Centre and All Saints' Church will host a number of events other throughout the weekend.

Guided tours will be available of both from 2pm to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday this weekend and next, giving attendees a chance to see the spot where the author was baptised and his stained glass memorial window.

And an afternoon stroll around Keckwick and Daresbury will set off from the church car park at 2pm on Saturday, September 15.

On Saturday, September 8, Victoria Park will host an event celebrating its glasshouses between 12pm and 3pm – with memories, memorabilia and information on Victorian collectors of plants and butterflies including Margaret Fountaine.

The Runcorn Locks Restoration Society will showcase artefacts and pictures showing the history of the Bridgewater Canal from 11am to 4pm on September 8 and 15, with guided walks and details on the group's future plans.

St Mary's Church in Hale will host displays - including old photographs of the church and area - from 10am to 4pm on September 8 and 15, with tours up its tower held between 2pm and 4pm.

Guided tours of St Luke's Church in Farnworth will take place between 10am and 4pm on Saturday, September 15, with walking tours of Farnworth village also starting at the church at 11am and 2pm.

Then – between 10am and 4pm on Sunday, September 16 – the Catalyst Museum will open its archives.

The museum will host an exhibition on the life of Frida Mond, a talk on the influence of her family by Dr Diane Leith at 1pm, a display of rare children's books by Margaret and Mary Baker, soap workshops at 11.30am and 2pm and light fantastic shows at 12.30pm and 3pm.

Norton Prior and Halton Castle are free to enter between 10am and 5pm on Sunday, September 16, with a free shuttle bus running between the two and tours and activities at the castle from 11am to 4pm.

A spokesman for the Halton Heritage Partnership said: "Halton has a unique history and is home to a great variety of organisations and groups who care passionately about local heritage.

"The Halton Heritage Partnership brings these groups together to work collaboratively, to share their knowledge and collections and their enthusiasm for Halton's history with people across the borough and beyond."