NORTH Yorkshire residents who want to delve into their family history or discover stories behind their houses are to be offered tips from the experts.

An event for amateur historians will be held at Harrogate Pavilions next month, with those in the know about family and house history research attending along with 30 stalls and trade stands run by archaeology and history organisations.

The Family History Day, organised by North Yorkshire’s County Record Office, will allow visitors to go behind the scenes of the BBC show Restoration Home with presenter and royal historian Dr Kate Williams, who used the record office while preparing a programme featuring Coulton Mill at Hovingham.

Dr Nick Barratt from TV show Who Do You Think You Are? will provide advice on researching the past.

Coun Chris Metcalfe, executive member for library and information services, said: “Finding out about your family’s roots can be interesting, but knowing how to make the best of hundreds of diverse resources can be difficult, which is why the experts and organisations we are gathering together can be a real help.”

The fair will be held on Saturday, March 16. Admission is £2 and tickets offer half-price admission to the Antiquarian Book Fair also being held at the Pavilions that day.

Places on talks cost £5, with early booking recommended.

More information is at northyorks.gov.uk/archives and archives@northyorks.gov.uk