RESEARCHING family history has never been so popular and with that in mind, one historian has set up his own course to help people in their quest for information.

Richard Churchley, of Astwood Bank, is a former deputy headteacher but is also a bit of a sleuth when it comes to researching local historical records.

Mr Churchley, 52, has traced his own family all the way back to William Churchley in 1612. He was a carpenter who was born in Inkberrow and is buried at Arrow, near Alcester.

"Certainly, in the 17th century we were yeoman farmers and carpenters, so weren't too badly off," he said.

Mr Churchley has an MA in local English history, for which he wrote a history of Sambourne from 1680-1780, and is currently studying for a PhD in the occupational structure around rural Redditch and Alcester from 1660-1860.

He said: "I am running two courses in January and February for people who want to learn how to use old documents to research the history of a family, a house, street or area over the past 400 years.

"These include trade directories, published local histories, censuses, monumental inscriptions, parish records, probate documents and maps.

"The course will be informal and fun and intended to be particularly suitable for beginners."

The two courses, lasting six weeks, will run in Alcester and Astwood Bank for one evening a week. The cost is £42.

For more details, call Mr Churchley on 892361, e-mail rachurchley@portables2.ngfl.gov.uk or go to www.astwoodpromotions.com