TOWER trips, trails and a brand new book will be the highlights of Bishampton's contribution to this year's Heritage Open days on Saturday September 12 at St. James’ Church.

For one day only, visitors will be able to access the narrow spiral staircase to the 14th century tower to see the six bells cast by Worcester-based William Bagley which this year celebrated their 145th anniversary.

Bishampton's now well-established heritage trail this year will also feature the former homes of WW1 soldiers on the war memorial and subject of a specially produced map. Jasmine Cottage in Broad Lane, for example, was the former home of Private Laurence Ballard when it was then known as Yew Tree Cottage.

The Society will be marking the occasion to launch their brand new book, 'Those that Served' - the result of painstaking work by Society members Charles Rigg and Peter Jesson into the families and descendants of the village's heroes. The book will be launched by Colonel John Lowles, former commanding officer of the Worcester Regiment and now chairman of Worcestershire Regiment Museum.

The event will also showcase its latest research findings relating to the village's fallen soldiers; WW1 artefacts; work by children from the history club at nearby Flyford Flavell school on their war memorial helped by Society members and samples of some surprisingly appetising wartime favourites such as trench and depression cake.

Children can enter a competition to win one of two books about WW1 by guessing the weight of Pte John Greenwood's First World War kit.

Chairman Mike Rickard said: "We are delighted to be able to share our discoveries with everyone and to have such an esteemed person to launch our book.

"Members of the Society have worked tirelessly, combing records and newspapers in The Hive, and talking to relatives and the local community to glean as much information as possible about our fallen heroes.

"Our event promises to be action-packed so we hope people will take the time to visit us and also take part in the bell tower trips."

Twenty-first century refreshments will also be available throughout the day from 10am to 4pm. Tours of the village are 11am and 2.30pm. Tower trips will feature throughout with a maximum of six people courtesy of The Friends of St James. Colonel Lowles will be launching the book at 10.15 am.