Hundreds of properties will offer free admission between 13-16 September as part of Heritage Open Days 2002, a national event co-ordinated by the Civic Trust and sponsored by English Heritage.

With a target of 800,000 visitors English Heritage has themed this year's event around children and young people. The event offers people an opportunity to visit private-owned properties not usually open to the public.

Nina Frentrop, Heritage Open Days manager said the event offers those that open their doors the opportunity to showcase themselves: 'Visitors can discover the heritage that exists on their doorstep and experience life as a tourist in their own town for a day.'

For details visit www.heritageopendays.org

Work has commenced on the fifth garden to be created by English Heritage in a £1.5m programme started in 1999 to create contemporary gardens in its historic properties.

The walled garden at Portland Castle in Dorset, designed by Christopher Bradley-Hole will retain historical features such as a Second World War siren and a roofed folly. The new garden design is based on a circular amphitheatre with seating made of local Portland stone, which will seat 200 people.

The garden is expected to be completed later this summer.