FROM fashion to family trees, Middlesbrough’s past is being brought to life with a host of events to celebrate Local History Month.

The centenary of the Transporter Bridge features prominently in the line up with an exhibition of pictures on display in Middlesbrough Reference Library in Centre Square until May 31.

Talks reminiscing about the iconic landmark will also be held there on May 16 and 23 from 2pm to 4pm.

Clothes are also used to reveal the Middlesbrough of yesteryear with a presentation of the Suffragette Movement re-enacted by the History Wardrobe at the reference library on Thursday, May 19, from 7pm to 9pm, tickets costing £5.

One of the town’s most famous sons, the explorer Captain Cook, is given a makeover to tie-in with Middlesbrough Fashion Week.

Students from Cleveland College of Art and Design have made more than 30 replica garments harking back the trends worn in 18th Century Britain and the Pacific Ocean.

Models dressed as farm labourers, royalty, Hawaiian warriors and the Chukchi tribe of Siberia will be taking part in “Cook on the Catwalk” at Middlesbrough Reference Library at 7.30pm on Thursday, May 26, tickets costing £3.

A family history drop-in session is taking place there on Tuesday, May 24 and May from 2pm to 4pm and a pre-booked walk “of mines and men” along Spencerbeck and up to Eston Hills is being led on May 15 from 10.30am to 2pm, meeting at Thorntree Park.

A writers’ workshop is taking place, May 20 and 27 May at Easterside Library and a writers’ “open mic” session is being staged at the reference library on June 2 at 6pm.

The programme had been co-ordinated by Middlesbrough Libraries, supported by Teesside Archives and the Museums Service.

Jenny Parker, Local Studies Librarian, said the aim of the festival was to transport residents through time.

“The people of Middlesbrough are so proud of their rich industrial heritage and love to share their enthusiasm with others.

In Local History Month every year we celebrate the past through the experiences of local people.”

For more information or to book a place call Jenny Parker on 01642 -729410 or 01642-729001 or email jenny_parker@middlesbrough.gov.uk