Thousands of people took the chance to discover Dereham’s past during this year’s Heritage Open Days (HODs). 

Nine attractions in and around the town offered free entry during the event, which ran for nine days earlier this month. 

Rev Canon Paul Cubitt, team rector at St Nicholas Church, who led the initiative in Dereham, called HODs a “resounding success”. 

He said: “We have some wonderful heritage sites in and around the town and it’s very pleasing to see so many visitors enjoying them.”

Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse had over 2,000 visitors, while 391 people visited Dereham Windmill. 

A total of 286 adults and 46 children visited Bishop Bonner’s Cottage Museum - more than in the rest of the museum’s open season.

St Nicholas' Church had 342 visitors and 210 of those climbed up to the bell tower over four days.

County School station in North Elmham had 225 visitors and the Fiery Dragon and Railway Relics exhibition at the Mid-Norfolk Railway drew 228 people.

Trinity Methodist Chapel had 16 visitors, the Mid-Norfolk Family History Society had 81 visitors and 19 people took part in a walking tour around the town.