THE past opened up for visitors to a Worcestershire stately home as they had the rare chance to climb an historic church tower.

Croome Park was free to visitors as part of the Heritage Open Day on Friday and the tower of the 1765 church, designed by Capability Brown and Robert Adam, was opened up.

"The church itself is open with the rest of the estate, which is five days a week at present, but the tower is normally closed off," said Croome administrator Ann Butcher.

"The access is very narrow and we had to have three stewards there all the time to look after the small groups of eight allowed up at any one time. It's a beautiful view from the top."

More than 200 people took advantage of the day out and they were also treated to a display of 18th Century military history from re-enacter Paul Harding, who dressed as a redcoat.