THE Robey Trust will welcome the public during the free Heritage Open Days weekend on Saturday and Sunday (September 12-15).

Visitors to the preservation centre for road steam vehicles and stationary engines in Pixon Lane, Tavistock will be able to look around and see the latest restoration projects as well as talking to members of the trust. There will also be an engine or two in steam.

Dave Davis, who is a trustee, said since getting the Heritage Lottery Fund grant in 1996 the Robey Trust had gone from strength to strength.

?That kept us alive and since then we have never looked back,? he said.

The trust ? which is celebrating its 21st birthday next year ? is now seeking to expand to become not just a restoration centre but also a museum with fixed stationary exhibits.

?We need to change the emphasis of the trust to become a tourist attraction for the town where people will come,? said Mr Davies.

?West Devon Borough Council has been very generous by keeping our rates to a very minimum which is a tremendous help. With support like that from the local community and the fact the Tavistock Steam Fair is getting more and more successful we are looking to expand.?

He said the trust was keen to develop a more representative collection in order to fly the flag of the former Robey engine manufacturing empire.

?We need more people to come and help. They can be electricians or painters ? you don?t have to be engineers. There are so many things that can be done here. There is an opportunity for skilled people and people just looking for a hobby to come and see where they can make a contribution to help the trust,? said Mr Davies.

The Robey Trust?s Pixon Lane site will be open on the Saturday and Sunday between 11am and 5pm.

It is one of a number of premises across the county that will be allowing visitors to see behind the scenes and celebrate the rich history of Devon.

Dr Simon Thurley, chief executive of English Heritage said he was delighted that the Heritage Open Days would reveal what lies behind even more of the region?s historic doors.

?Heritage Open Days are a huge success for our heritage and 2003 promises to be the biggest year yet ? allowing everyone, wherever they live and whatever their background, to feel part of the history of their area.?

l Other attractions in the area include Tamar Belle Heritage Visitor Centre at Bere Ferrers Station where there will be vintage railway carriage rides on a demonstration siding. Visitors can also view a new interpretive visitor centre about the history of the Lower Tamar and Tavy Valleys.

Kilworthy Traditional Farm Buildings at Kilworthy Farm is also open for people to walk around.

This is a working farm with traffic and animals and there are three ranges of cow houses over undercroft of granite construction plus granary, and a separate stable yard to the west. Booking required. Call (01822) 614477.

At Princetown there is an audio visual presentation at the High Moorland Visitor Centre. Booking required. Call 01822 890414.

To find out more about participating properties and activities in the area visit http://www.heritageopendays.org">www.heritageopendays.org or call the information line 08700 100 150.