A FESTIVAL of drawing and animation to help explore your family history will be held as part of The Big Draw Festival 2017.

The North Yorkshire County Record Office in Northallerton will host the free event, called Living Lines, where an archivist will show visitors how to represent their family tree.

Examples of pedigrees and heraldic imagery dating back to the 14th century will also be on show.

Greg White, executive member for the County Record Office, said: “The Big Draw is for everyone, whether you love to draw or think you can’t.

“The event will enable people to have fun with drawing while creating something personal by exploring their family tree.

“It’s also a chance to glimpse at some of the amazing records housed in the county’s archives.”

Living Lines: An Animated Big Draw festival, founded by arts education charity The Big Draw, will take place throughout October.

The celebration takes place in more than 25 countries and has encouraged more than four million people to draw.

Kate Mason, director of The Big Draw, said: “Whether organising or participating, Living Lines is an opportunity for individuals, organisations and even countries to join a global community in celebration of the universal language of drawing.”

  • Workshops will be held in Northallerton on Saturday, October 7 from 10.30am to 12.30pm and from 2.30pm to 4.30pm.
  • Visitors should take names of three generations to create their family tree.
  • Call 01609-777585 or email archives@northyorks.gov.uk to book a place.