Archivists in County Durham are offering the perfect Christmas gift for amateur historians. Gift vouchers are now available for Durham County Record Office’s next beginners’ family history course, which takes place in the New Year.

The popular sessions are led by an archivist and offer an introduction to the sources available at the record office.

The course lasts for three weeks and runs on the following dates:

Friday mornings, from 10am to noon – 19th, 26th January and 2nd February

Thursday evenings, from 6pm to 8pm – 18th, 25th January and 1st February

Dawn Layland, education and outreach archivist, said: “A voucher for our family history course is a present with a difference. Individual and thoughtful, it could prove to be the start of a very interesting and fulfilling hobby for someone.”

The course costs £30 for all three sessions. Places must be booked in advance by calling 03000 267 626.

Further information available at www.durhamrecordoffice.org.uk