Local researchers will have a chance to spend the day delving in the country’s leading archive this month.

Herefordshire Archive service is organising a coach trip to the National Archives in Kew, London, on Thursday, September 18.

The National Archives is known for holding treasures of international importance, such as Domesday Book. It is also a rich storehouse for anyone interested in more humble documents for family and local history purposes.

Senior Archivist, Rhys Griffith, said: “It may seem surprising, but a great deal of Herefordshire’s history is locked up in Kew.

“This is a great opportunity for anyone wanting to explore new sources there. They’ll be dropped off right at the front door and avoid wrestling with the Tube system.  It’s amazing how much you can discover in one day,” he added.

Passengers on the coach trip need not visit the archives - Kew is well placed for other important attractions and the dropping off point is only a few minutes’ walk from the Royal Botanic Gardens.

The coach will leave the car park at Herefordshire Record Office in Harold Street at 7am on September 18 and will stop at Ledbury to collect additional passengers at 7.30 am.

It will leave Kew at 5pm.

The cost of the trip is £17 per person with a £10 deposit payable in advance. Booking is essential.

Anyone interested should telephone Herefordshire Archive Service on 01432 260750 for further information and to book a place.