IT'S said to be the world's fastest-growing hobby.

Now, Huddersfield University hopes to create more interest in family histories.

The university's history division is recruiting for another pioneering evening class, this time in family history.

The new course starts in September and aims to tap into the growing interest in genealogy and family trees by catering for enthusiasts of all ages and abilities.

The course tutor will be Dr Michael Watts, an experienced family history teacher and researcher.

"As a society we are becoming increasingly fascinated by our ancestry and our relatives' lives," said Dr Watts, who lives in Cheshire.

"We will be running a beginners' class between September and December and an advanced class after Christmas. People with an interest in family history will be able to enrol for either or both courses.

"Previous qualifications are not required.

"People can complete the assessed work or study purely for enjoyment."

Dr Watts is an authority on the subject, having taught various evening classes and lectured to many family history societies.

In addition to two books and an array of articles, he has also contributed to a Reader's Digest publication on genealogy.

Anyone wanting further information, or wishing to reserve a place on the course/s, should phone Dr Peter Davies at the university's history division on 01484 472359.