A MAPS workshop will give people the chance to plot a course through Worcester's history.

Using maps to explore local history will be just one focus of a workshop at the Hive in Worcester.

People attending the event on Monday, March 16, between 10am and 3pm, will learn about the vast range of maps held there by Worcestershire Archive and Archaeology Service.

Along with standard Ordinance Survey maps there will be examples of rare estate manuscripts - one-off maps of private estates commissioned by the landed gentry. Some of these are so elaborate that they are considered to be works of art.

The collection also includes county maps dating back to the sixteenth century, tithe maps and enclosure maps from the eighteenth century.

The workshop will explore the different types, how they can be used, and how to access them at the Hive.

Paul Hudson, learning and outreach manager for Worcestershire Archive and Archaeology Service, said that similar events had proved very popular, particularly with local historians. Places are limited so he urged anyone interested to book quickly.

He added: "All good adventures begin with a map and they are fantastic resource to help you discover more about local and house history and archaeology.

"In this workshop we'll help people discover more about the many types of maps which we have and how to search our collections so that people can get the most out of them."

Cllr Lucy Hodgson, Worcestershire County Council cabinet member for localism and communities, said: "Maps are fascinating and are very visual, so they always attract attention."