In an historic first the old Toneworks site in Wellington is opening for guided tours.

Somerset Council are offering limited tours of the site, where visitors will be able to explore the interior of the more than two centuries old grade II listed building.

Historically the Toneworks was at the heart of the town's once thriving cloth industry. It was there that the process of textile dying, washing and finishing would take place.

Toneworks, and the nearby mill, which were owned by the Fox family, employed Wellington families over generations. Though it has now fallen into disrepair, it retains a number of heritage assets.

Somerset Unitary Councillor Ros Wyke said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to see behind the scenes of an iconic part of Wellington’s history. It is a national treasure that we are trying to secure for future generations, and I hope people will seize this rare chance to see a precious part of the nation’s industrial history.

“I would like to thank Historic England, Wellington Town Council and South West Heritage Trust for the funding and support over recent years, as well as the council’s Heritage at Risk team.

“We are so pleased to be able to welcome visitors and take a look back at the history of the site, while looking ahead to what the future might hold for this nationally significant part of our shared past.”

To book your place on a tour, visit the Eventbrite page.