RESIDENTS are invited to explore an historic church tower on an open day.

Holy Trinity Church tower in Rayleigh will be open on Bank Holiday Monday, May 7 from 10am until 4.30pm.

People can climb the tower steps for views over Essex and the Thames estuary as well as seeing how the bells are rung.

Tower tours cost £3 for adults and £1 for children over eight years old.

There will also be an exhibition from local history group Rayleigh Through the Looking Glass and the 1952 church registers will be in display.

Refreshments and stalls be in the church and there is free car parking.