A BEGINNERS' guide to family history will help Darwen residents trace lost ancestors back to 1837.

Led by the vice-president of Lancashire Family History and Heraldry Society, Bill Taylor, the course is expected to be very popular among people with spare time on their hands.

Bill said: "Beginners will get an introduction to how to trace family members and we aim to get people looking back as far as 1837 by the end of the ten-week course."

Courses begin on Tuesday, more information from Darwen Access Point on 01254 706555.