TIPS to searching family history or starting a family tree will be shared later this month when Kidderminster’s Museum of Carpet hosts an ancestry surgery.

The museum is holding 20 minute sessions from noon until 3pm on Saturday, January 24, to help visitors who want to understand more about their family’s background.

Teaming up with local family historian and member of Wyre Forest Historical Research Group, Gay Hill, the museum hope the afternoon will show anyone the ropes of hunting down ancestors.

Gay said: “At this time of year, especially after families have got together to talk over the festive period, I have been known to have waiting lists for my family history surgeries.

“Whether people are just starting out and want to know where and how to begin, or if they need help in breaking down the brick walls in their research, everybody will get their very own one-to-one session.

“This will offer enough time to get a real feel for the excitement that comes with tracing ancestors and learning about their own past history.”

Julie Alcorn, museum manager, said: “Here at the museum, we recognise just how important family history is to many of our visitors.

“We’ve got plenty of archive records donated by many of the carpet firms that once operated in the town, so it’s a great resource for those wishing to find out what their grandparents or great grandparents did.

“Together with our archive of back copies of The Shuttle, it provides an invaluable resource for any history enthusiast.

“With Gay helping to steer people in their search, we hope these paper records will really begin to reveal some hidden family histories.”

The sessions are free of charge, but prior booking is essential, and places can be reserved by calling the museum on 01562 69028 or speaking to a member of staff at the museum.