DETAILS about how people in Worcestershire lived in 1901 are to be made available on the internet.

The 1901 census is being made public from next Wednesday, January 2.

Previously, local historians would have to go to their nearest library or records office to look at details of the past.

But now, people from across the world will be able to access the returns of the 1901 census on a website hosted by the Public Record Office.

The returns will provide information including the names of residents in Worcestershire at the time, and their addresses as well as occupations.

There are 15 terminals at the History Centre in Trinity Street, Worcester, which can be used to view the returns.

Users can book computer terminals that have been adapted in order to download images.

Searching the indexes will be free but to view an image of a census return will cost 75p.

The records can also be viewed on microfilm readers at the centre.

A census is taken every 10 years but the returns are kept confidential for 100 years to protect the individuals named in them. They are then released at the beginning of the following year.

Staff at the History Centre will be able to show people how to use the returns and offer additional advice about research.

Information about the online census can be found at www.census.pro.gov.uk.

The History Centre can be reached on 01905 765922.