TOURISTS and locals have been invited to learn more about Huddersfield’s history.

Conservationists launched a new heritage trail around the town centre which aims to explain the town’s past.

Huddersfield Civic Society has produced a new full-colour leaflet which will be available in libraries throughout the town.

The group will celebrate the launch of the heritage trail with free guided tours starting from St George’s Square on Saturday at 10am and 10.30am

Huddersfield Civic Society chairman Chris Marsden said “Although the trail has been developed over many months it supports the aims of the recent Portas Review by making our streets interesting and attractive places to visit.”

Mr Marsden thanked Kirklees Council’s Huddersfield Area Committee for providing £2,500 to fund the new heritage trail.

“We are grateful for the area committee funding – I know it will be a great investment for the town,” he said.

Huddersfield Area Committee chairman Clr Judith Hughes said: “The trail guide is excellent and very interesting.

“I am a Huddersfield girl, a history graduate and I have family going back several generations in the area and I found the guide really does expand my awareness.

“I am sure the trail will encourage pride in the town which I believe is a very special place both in its architecture and its people.”

The civic society hopes to add to the heritage trail with an interpretation board in St George’s Square, building plaques and a mobile phone app.

For more information visit www.huddersfieldcivicsociety.org.uk

Full list of sites on trail

St George’s Square

Westgate House

Market Place

Brick buildings on New Street

Former Temperance Hotel

Huddersfield Town Hall

Former Examiner offices on Ramsden Street

Huddersfield Library and Art Gallery

The Riding School

Lawrence Batley Theatre

Huddersfield Parish Church

The Beast Market

Byram Street

Old George Inn

Mechanics’ Institution

Former Wholesale Market

Former Booth’s factory