MORE than 200 people were treated to an evening of genealogy at the Helena Romanes School in Dunmow, last week. Guest speaker was Dr Nick Barratt, the nationally acclaimed genealogist and historical research advisor to the BBC programme Who Do You Think Y

MORE than 200 people were treated to an evening of genealogy at the Helena Romanes School in Dunmow, last week.

Guest speaker was Dr Nick Barratt, the nationally acclaimed genealogist and historical research advisor to the BBC programme Who Do You Think You Are?

Assistant head teacher and host Brian Williams said: "It was a very enjoyable night and Dr Barrett fielded some very searching questions from the audience.

"I've received some excellent feedback from people who came along. I'm so pleased it was a success and it has really brought the local community together."

The event - a partnership between the school and the Dunmow and District Historical and Literary Society - was the first time the school has hosted an Essex Book Festival event.

"Our school is proud to be involved with the Essex Book Festival," said Mr Williams. "We look forward to hosting similar evenings in the future."

Dr Barrett signed copies of his books, including the highly successful Family Detective, and the school used the night to launch its own genealogy society, which it will run later this year.