PEOPLE are flocking to the prison cells in Worcester's Guildhall - but, unlike some of their ancestors, they can choose when they leave.

The historic building's dungeon was formally opened to the public yesterday at the request of the city's then Mayor, coun David Clark.

Visitors will be able to go on guided tours of the cells, and can learn more about those who spent their final hours before execution in the depths of the building.

The tour will start with the entrance corridor, along which many prisoners were led from the courtroom to the cells below.

Life-like figures inhabit the cells themselves, and the stories of people sentenced to death are on display in an exhibition area in the building.

Worcester City Council's support services manager, Claire Martin, said there had been a steady flow of people visiting the cells since the official opening yesterday morning.

"They've been opened before informally, if people have requested to see them," she said. "This is the first time they've been opened formally.

"Next week we will set up three days of guided tours. In September, we will be having a heritage open day, when we will invite all Worcester schools to the Guildhall to learn more about its history."