NEW help is at hand for Craven people researching their family history within the county.

Scanned images of handwritten baptism, marriage and burial registers held by the North Yorkshire record office have been published online for the first time.

The images, dating from 1538 to the 20th century, have been digitised by Find My Past and made available through its website – findmypast.co.uk.

County councillor Chris Metcalfe, executive member for the archives service, said: "This will open a new chapter in the history of access to our parish registers.

"In making these vital entries accessible to a worldwide audience, our strategy is to add to – and not replace – current means of access."