Visitors hoping to see inside some of Wiltshire’s historic buildings at the start of National Heritage Week found some of them locked and some events cancelled.

In Bradford on Avon, the town council was unable to find enough volunteers to open its historic lock-up on the town bridge.

The council said: “Unfortunately, we have to cancel the Heritage Open Days at the lock-up as we do not have enough volunteers to cover the event. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.”

Bradford on Avon Museum also cancelled planned two free walks because of the extreme heat as the national Heritage Open Days event from September 8 to 17 began.

As part of the celebrations, it was offering the guided walks around Bradford on Avon, highlighting the town’s architecture and other features, and bringing its history to life.

Kate Turnbull, the museum’s chair, said: “I decided to cancel the guided walks because of the extreme heat on Saturday and Sunday.

“We have emailed all those who wanted to take part and will be offering them alternative dates.”

In Trowbridge, the gates to the town’s war memorial and the Victorian chapel at the Down Cemetery were also locked to visitors.

In Swindon, a chance for visitors to take a peek inside the Swindon Dance premises in Regent Circus was also cancelled.

Elsewhere, festival celebrating Wiltshire’s rich and varied heritage got off to a flying and sunny start over the weekend.

There are still scores of activities for Wiltshire residents and visitors to enjoy between now and Sunday, September 17.

They include a chance for visitors to look inside the Masonic Hall in Morris Lane, Devizes, on Saturday, September 16.

Between 10am and 3pm, Devizes Freemasons are inviting visitors to come along, look around and find out what really goes on in this ancient organisation.

Up to 54 events are being held across Wiltshire during the Heritage Open Days, including talks, open days, tours and guided walks to interest a wide range of people from children to adults.

It will give residents and visitors a chance to see some hidden places and try out new experiences – all of which are free to explore.

Events are taking place in Avebury, Bradford on Avon, Castle Combe, Chippenham, Corsham, Devizes, Great Bedwyn, Larkhill, Malmesbury, Marlborough, Melksham, Salisbury, Stourhead, Swindon, Trowbridge, Warminster, Westbury and Wilton.

To view the full list of events in Wiltshire, click here.