BOX fulls of historic records will soon be catalogued as part of an ambitious archive project.

The Worcester Archive Source Project (WASP), a three-year scheme to make city records more accessible to the public, was officially launched yesterday.

Staff from Worcestershire Record Office said the project would benefit the community and added it was important to preserve the official council documents, that date back to 1520s.

The WASP will be completed in time for the opening of the new Library and History Centre, in The Butts, in 2011.

In the meantime members of the public are being encouraged to volunteer and help catalogue the documents.

Eventually, there will be an online index of the archive, complemented by public exhibitions and educational resources.

The project has been made possible by a Heritage Lottery Fund grant of £228,000.

Deputy Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Andy Roberts was at the launch.

He said: “Worcester has a chequered history when it comes to preserving its heritage. Thanks heavens - and the lottery fund - that these records will be preserved and made more accessible.

“I am particularly pleased that the public will involved.”

To find out more visit the dedicated website worcestershire.gov.uk/wasp or call WASP archivist Kathryn Steenson at Worcestershire Record Office on 01905 728704.