Silsden’s history will be a central theme of Grand de Party celebrations in the town.

A day of heritage activities takes place on Saturday, July 15.

There will be a coffee morning and exhibition – organised by the local history group – in the town hall, together with a display of old maps and seven volumes of photographs.

Admission to the 9.30am to 12.30pm event is £1.50, including coffee and cake.

Also, St James’ and Mount Carmel RC churches will be open for viewing.

The local history group has devised a town-centre walk sheet, with versions for adults and children, taking in some of Silsden’s date-stones from the past.

Youngsters – who can collect a sheet at the coffee morning – will receive special stamps at various stages of the walk, with a chocolate reward on completion.

In the afternoon, group chairman David Mason will lead the first of seven tours around St James’ churchyard.

The tours, on a Meet The Ancestors theme, will reveal the stories behind some of the names on gravestones.

Attendance will be restricted to groups of eight.

The tours will take place at 1.30pm and 3.30pm on Saturday, 15 July, on Sunday, 16 July and Monday, 17 July. There will also be a tour at 7.30pm on Monday.

Tickets are available from Twiggs post office and newsagents.

There will be a £1 charge, payable on each tour, in aid of Grand de Party funds.