A secluded Siberian religious community has opened its doors to visitors for the first time.

For nearly 250 years the Old Believers lived secretive lives in a remote part of eastern Russia.

The Christian sect split with the Russian Orthodox Church in the 17th century and endured persecution under the Bolshevik regime.

Now the 250,000-strong community is embracing tourism in a bid to boost the local economy.

Their brightly-coloured houses, traditional dress and rich cultural heritage have proved popular with sightseers.

© Independent Television News Limited 2009. All rights reserved.