YOUNGSTERS are invited to get hands-on with history.

Worcestershire County Council is giving 12 volunteers, aged between 13 and 19, the chance to spend time behind the scenes at its record office.

The budding archivists will help staff to preserve and make accessible the internationally-significant Croome Estate collection.

Training will be given to the volunteers who will be given the chance to visit the Croome Estate as well as speak to experts about the history of the family and its landscape.

The six-week project, to run during the summer holidays, is being made possible by a £4,395 grant that has come from the regional branch of the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council.

Archivist Louisa Mann said: "We are delighted to have been awarded this money and are really looking forward to giving the young people the chance to learn more about their local heritage in a fun and engaging way.

"This will give young people the chance to have a hands-on experience with archives and will be the first time we have held a summer school.

"We're really looking forward to it."

Anybody interested should call Louisa Mann on 01905 765926 or 01905 766247 or e-mail to lmann@worcestershire. gov.uk