Residents once again have the chance to delve deep into the history of their own house at a workshop organised by Croydon's Local Studies Library and Archive Service next weekend.

The house hunting workshop, part of the family learning initiative in the borough's libraries, will give inquisitive home owners the opportunity to make use of the library's facilities to discover the secrets behind their bricks and mortar.

Local studies librarian Steve Roud and archivist Chris Bennett will be on hand to offer hints on how to fully research your property.

This year the event, which last year was so popular the organiser had to turn people away at the door, will be split into two sessions; the first on Thursday, October 7, from 10am to noon with the second taking place on Saturday, October 9, from 9.30am to noon. The sessions are free but participants must book a place in advance and the property they want to research must be in the borough of Croydon.

Archivist Chris Bennett said: "Property is big business these days and the interest in house history has intensified in recent years, particularly when you consider the interest in period characteristics of a property.

"Last year's event was very successful we had to turn people away. A good example of the type of picture we can build up for people who want to find out more about their area is Cherry Orchard Road.

"It was one of the first developed roads in the borough and its history is rich. It had industrial links, with Creeds factory, and is close to the railway."

Maps, street directories, the census, voters lists, photographs and bomb damage reports are just a few of the sources of information available.

To book a place, call the Local Studies Library and Archive Service on 020 8760 5400 extension 1112.