MANHOLE covers, telephone boxes and road signs will take centre stage for one unusual tour as part of the Heritage Open Days event.

Local historian Chris Mead hopes to spark the inquisitive mind of those who embark on his tour round Hull city centre tomorrow.

Mr Mead hopes his guided tour will open people's eyes to a side of the city rarely noticed, such as tracks, plaques and signs.

He explained: "I will take people round to look at the street furniture.

"I want to show people the interest behind things they normally walk past, it could be a manhole cover or a name sign.

"By looking at the ground, I discovered a lot about Hull's early telephone system.

"I will also show people the oldest telephone box which is at Market Hall.

"There are also examples of Hull's pioneering spirit such as the first ever hydraulic power system in the country which was used to lift the bridges and run the riverside factories."

The Heritage Open Days event was officially launched last night at Hull History Centre, with several talks by local history experts.

A total of 23 buildings and venues across the city will open their doors as part of the four-day event.

There will also be events at Trinity Square on Saturday, including a vintage pram display and an Old Town ale trail on Friday night.

Philip Haskins, of organiser Hull Civic Society, is excited by this year's programme.

He said: "There is an awful lot of history in the city and hopefully we can get people interested.

"This will act as a shop window for the city's heritage."