HISTORY buffs are invited to explore their county’s archives this week.

Durham County Record Office is supporting the national Explore Your Archives Week.

It has archives spanning almost 900 years covering the historic county from the River Tyne to the River Tees.

There are parish registers, school documents, estate and family records, mining records and the Durham Light Infantry’s regimental archive.

Liz Bregazzi, the county archivist, said: “Archives enable people to bring stories to life. Here at the Record Office we have an extensive range of documents covering a wide range of subjects and a large geographical area.

“We always love sharing the information we have and we welcome anyone and everyone who is interested in learning about their past and that of the county.

“Explore Your Archives Week is the perfect time to discover the information that is so readily at hand in your local area.”

To make an appointment to visit the Record Office, at County Hall, Durham, call 03000-267-619 or visit durhamrecordoffice.org.uk

The Record Office recently launched a new war website at durhamatwar.org.uk