PEOPLE who get together to research their family trees have reached a special milestone.

TheWest Somerset section of the Somerset and Dorset Family History Society celebrated its tenth anniversary on Wednesday, March 30.

The group has grown from strength to strength since it was formed in 2006, holding monthly meetings in Dunster and taster sessions in Williton and Minehead libraries.

Some of their family trees are rooted in Somerset or Dorset, but members also research ancestors who lived in other parts of the country and across the world.

“Members learn about social history as well as family history,” said organiser Jane Sharp.

“We offer a varied programme from speakers every other month to help with questions and queries on alternate monthly meetings and occasional outside visits.

“We are a very friendly group and everyone is at different stages of tracing their family trees, from absolute beginners to those who have been researching for many years.

“There is a wealth of knowledge held by members, and visitors and new members are always welcome. You do not need to be researching ancestors from Somerset or Dorset to join. Our members are researching their family trees from all over the country and indeed the world.”

Volunteers offer help and advice for beginners at the one-hour taster sessions which are free and can be booked via Williton and Minehead libraries.

The group meets in Dunster Memorial Hall rom 7pm until 9pm on the last Wednesday of every month except December. Anyone interested in attending should contact either Jane Sharp on 01984 639428 or Ted Beard on 01643 702561.