A FAMILY history fair is planning to help commemorate the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

Organised and hosted by Durham County Council, Yesterday Belongs to You 7 is to be held at County Hall, Durham, on Saturday, May 14.

The last fair in 2003 attracted more than 3,500 people and about 90 organisations ranging from small local history societies to major museums.

County council's community heritage officer, Julie Hawthorn, said: "Yesterday Belongs to You has proved immensely popular over the last 12 years with both visitors and exhibitors and we're hoping to keep up the high standards this year.

"It's an opportunity for a wide range of museums, libraries, record offices, local and family history societies and many other groups to come together to help celebrate all aspects of the county's rich heritage."

She said: "The recent BBC series Who Do You Think You Are? has sparked off renewed interest, which is reflected in the questions that come into the County Record Office.

"New local history societies are springing up all over the county and are anxious to publicise themselves and they are increasingly moving into the digital age.

"This is the first time we have held Yesterday Belongs to You in May and we hope to link it in to VE Day commemorations during that month."

Yesterday Belongs to You 7 will run from 10.30am to 4pm. Free parking will be available.