PEOPLE interested in finding out their family history can make a start at a special week-long event in Worcester.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Canada Way, is hosting a free family history open house from Tuesday, March 4 to Saturday, March 8.

Computers will be available for people to carry out research along with access to popular websites including Ancestry, Find my Past and Family Search.

There will also be tutorials on using computers, microfilm and micro-fiche.

Marion McLaverty, community outreach worker, said: "It's so easy these days to do family history. There's so much online now. It's exciting to find about your ancestors, what they do and where they live.

"My husband found one of his family members was in the poor house and a great uncle died four months before the end of the First World War having survived major battles. It really brings your ancestors to life."

Worcester Mayor Pat Agar will also attending on Friday, March 7 at 11am and Worcester MP Robin Walker attending the following day at 9.15am.

The church, which already gives people access to computers three times a week to learn about their ancestors, will have more computers laid on for visitors during the open house.

"It just gives us a connection with the past," added Mrs McLaverty.

Opening hours will be 11am to 3pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday and 11am to 9pm on Thursday and Friday.