AN EASTLEIGH couple have been able to step back in time to learn more about their Hampshire roots.

And it was good guesswork which gave John and Betty Percey an in-depth guided tour of the Hampshire Record Office.

For the trip back in time was a prize won by their daughter-in-law Lisa Grant who entered a competition in a Hampshire County Council supplement published by the Daily Echo.

Lisa won by guessing that there were no less than eight miles of shelving at the Hampshire Record Office.

She donated the prize to John and Betty and accompanied them as they spent a half-day with archivist Claire Skinner.

They were given a fascinating insight into the wealth of historic records, documents, photographs and film footage of Hampshire's history. Claire was able to help unravel some interesting historic facts relevant to their life and roots in the county.

Their visit marked the end of Archive Awareness Month.

There has been a range of interactive events and activities at the Hampshire Record Office and other places in the county to put people in touch with the past.

Councillor John Waddington, executive member for recreation and heritage, said: "Archives are an important part of Hampshire's heritage and Hampshire Record Office is home to a vast time capsule of information."

Hampshire Record Office holds a wealth of archives spanning nearly 1,000 years and covering all aspects of Hampshire history. The free service is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm and Saturday 9am to 4pm.