Wokingham Town Hall opened its doors to the public inviting them to enjoy the history of the centrepiece.

The town hall was open all day last Thursday and the public was able to access all areas – excluding the mayor’s parlour.

Residents, young and older, came to enjoy the building, with nearly 60 people turning out for the free event.

Cllr Martin Bishop, the town mayor, said: “People enjoyed seeing the history, and we had a competition for the children to design a coat of arms. People are interested in seeing all the paintings and the history we’ve got inside.

“I think it’s a good thing to open it to the public, people want to see what’s behind the walls of the town hall.” The town hall was previously only open on heritage days and for special occasions, but the civic committee decided to make it more accessible to the public.

Visitors were able to get up close and personal with the hall’s numerous paintings, the silverware, and the newly refurbished Diamond Jubilee room.

The hall itself was built in the 19th century, and a video detailing the history of the hall and treasures by Cllr Bob Wyatt was available to watch.

The town hall will open to the public again later in the year.