PEOPLE who are keen to trace their ancestors will be given a helping hand by a family history expert.

Advice on how to start drawing up a family tree will be available at Durham County Council's Clayport Library, in Durham, this afternoon.

The taster session, aimed at beginners, will mark the start of a series of courses which will help people trace their roots.

This afternoon's session will be presented by tutor Anne Hinchcliffe, who has been involved with family history for more than 30 years through research and teaching.

It will look at how to start from scratch and explore birth, marriage and death certificates.

It will also show how people can get the most out of the 1881 census and how to use the Internet.

Further courses which will delve deeper into family history will start at the library on Monday, January 16.

Tickets for this afternoon's event are £2 and should be booked in advance by contacting the library on 0191-386 4003. Anyone wanting more information about further courses should also contact the library.

* Go to The Northern Echo's online history site at www.northeasthistory.co.uk