By Rebecca Creed

The doors to once hidden rooms are being thrown open at Preston Manor to attract more visitors.

Co-creators Sarah Tobias and Paula Wrightson say the Hidden House tour is proving popular with visitors with its chatty and friendly style.

Anyone joining the tour experiences the manor as it was seen through the eyes of former servants.

Ms Wrightson said: “The tours have increased visitor numbers as the tours are in themselves an attraction.”

Tours are operated on a word of mouth basis, with recommendations from past visitors having already helped to boost numbers.

Increasing numbers of visitors are choosing to return to Preston Manor to enjoy other special events such as the Tales of the Supernatural tour with added ghost stories.

The manor was donated to Brighton Borough Council in 1932 and the maids and servants quarters had previously been unavailable to the public.

Ms Wrightson said: “Sarah and I love doing the tour and meeting people, every time we get a new story. It enriches our knowledge and enriches future tours.”

Mother and daughter Susan and Kimberley Dean experienced last month’s tour.

Miss Dean said: “It’s the first time I have been here, it is fascinating to see behind the scenes.”

A one-off hidden garden event at Preston Manor held in September, also helped to attract new visitors by opening up the kitchen garden that had never before been available to the public.

Organisers hope it will become a permanent feature at the manor from next summer, as a Hidden Garden tour if funding is granted.

The next tour is Saturday, October 13.

More information about Preston Manor and future tours can be found on the Brighton and Hove Museums website.