A PENSIONER who has lived on High Street most of her life has helped launch one of the newest editions to Doors Open Day.

The Civic Room, a not for profit gallery, is based in the former Linen Bank at 215 High Street.

It was was built in 1897 and is a landmark in the area and will open its doors for the first time during Doors Open Day which runs from September 14 to 20.

The gallery will operate as the hub for the popular event and over the next year it is hoped it will raise funds to restore the bank building which is regarded as being at risk.

Helping to launch the gallery and Doors Open Day was Margaret Fitzpatrick, 77, who has lived on the High Street since 1942 and remembers the Linen Bank and the area in their heyday.

A brochure had been produced listing what the public can visit during the event which includes 108 buildings, 16 of which have not been involved before, 53 walks and tours and 25 talks and special events, all of which are free.

The new buildings include Dalmarnock Leather Works where visitors will be taken on a tour of the biggest leather warehouse in Europe, Saint Lukes which is a recently restored and converted church which will become a music, arts and community venue in the heart of the Barras and Anniesland Court which is the tallest listed building in Scotland and Glasgow's only category A listed tower block.

This year for the first time, Doors Open Day will host a children's programme featuring a treasure trail based on some of the 40 children's events taking place.

Activities will include a straw bale maze in Riverside Museum, creating stained glass windows or puppets, designing a poster, trying out curling and discovering a World War 1 trench.

Ruth Morris, events and development co-ordinator at Glasgow Building Preservation Trust, which organises Doors Open Day, said: "We are going to be located in 215 High ~Street for the week, have lots of new buildings and events and have our very first children's programme.

"The essence of Doors Open Day is to encourage as many people as possible to explore Glasgow, learn about the city and ultimately have pride in the city.

"With so many different types of buildings and events there really is something for everyone and we want to encourage as many people as possible to take advantage of the rare opportunity to engage with a completely free event."

For a brochure of Doors Open Day events go to any Glasgow library or log on to www.glasgowdoorsopenday.com/brochure