A NEW training scheme has been launched to equip volunteers with the skills needed to investigate and collect historical and archaeological information about sites around Morecambe Bay.

Over a series of two full day, or three half-day workshops, you learn the skills required to access archaeological and historical records and documentary evidence of the Bay.

Sessions have been set up at Barrow, Kendal and Arnside as part of a programme set up by the Moreacmbe bay Partnership

There is the opportunity for site visits and there will be archive visits, research and drop in sessions during the winter.

A spokesperson for the Morecambe Bay Partnership said: "We ask that volunteers attend all sessions and help to undertake additional research for the project once you have received the training.

"This will be about five to 10 hours in addition to the workshops."

The workshops will be hosted by archaeologist Dr Richard Newman and data collection and support for volunteers will be overseen by Cat Peters of Wardell Armstrong Archaeology.

The set of Kendal sessions will be held in the Windermere Room, at South Lakes Housing, Bridge Mills Business Centre, on Stramongate on Tuesdays December 20, 10 January 10 and 17 from 1pm to 4pm.

At Arnside the sessions are in the Westmorland Room of Arnside Educational Insitute, on Church Hill on Saturdays 7 January 7 and 14, from 10am to 4pm.

A venue for the Barrow sessions is still be arranged but they will be on Saturdays 28 January 28 and February 4, from 10am to 4pm.

You can find out more about the training programme from Louise Martin by sending an email to louise@morecambebay.org.uk

Places can be booked on the website at www.morecambebay.org.uk/events/understanding-bay-documentary-research-training