MORE than four miles of archives stretching back some 900 years will be available to the public during a special behind the scenes tour.

Archivists from Durham County Record Office will be on hand to show the wealth of material available for those looking to trace their family roots or have a glimpse into local history.

The 90-minute tour, part of Durham County Council’s guided walks programme, takes place at County Hall in Durham on Thursday, January 29 at 6pm.

Admission is £4 per person or £10 for a family ticket.

The records cover everything from councils and churches to courts, families and hospitals.

Many are on paper or parchment but there are also photographs, films, sound recordings and electronic records. The most popular, including electoral and church registers, census returns, war diaries and newspapers are preserved on microfilm.

The earliest documents date from around 1122 with the most recent being parish registers from last year and up to date minutes of Durham County Council.

Liz Bregazzi, county archivist, Durham County Council, said: “This is a great opportunity to for people to have a first-hand look at what records we have, how they can be accessed and how we can help with appointments to come in and find out more.”

Tickets can be bought on arrival and for further information ring 03000 267619.