RECORD numbers descended on Harwich's historical buildings for a special open weekend which included a First World War themed cinema day and actors in period costumes.

Museums and iconic buildings in Harwich and Dovercourt, including the Redoubt Fort, Radar Tower and Electric Palace, were opened to the public for the National Heritage Weekend.

Visitors to the Electric Palace cinema were treated to an archive compilation of films filmed between 1913 and 1920 together with 1914 to 18 topical budget newsreels.

There were also recorded performances honouring those from the town who lost their lives in the First World War, previously unseen artefacts including a palace programme dated April 1919, and members of Dramatic Pause Production and Dovercourt Theatre Group in period costume.