NORTH Yorkshire's County Record Office is throwing its doors open to the public next month.

The offices will be opening as part of the fourth Archives at Dusk event - part of Museums at Night, an annual UK-wide festival which encourages visitors into museums, galleries and heritage sites by opening after hours and putting on special evening events.

The archives will be open from 6-8.30pm on Thursday, May 15, giving people chance to wander through the Record Office and see an exhibition of items connected with North Yorkshire clubs and societies over the generations.

Visitors can meet the Good Humour Club in their 18th century coffee house with wigs, props and sound; or dress up in costume and have a family photograph taken in the Victorian studio.

There will also be displays showing how County Hall in Northallerton was transformed into a hospital during the First World War, along with dramatic photographs of early climbing and caving exploits.

Admission is free and includes refreshments. Booking is not necessary and free parking is available.

For more information visit www.northyorks.gov.uk or call 01609 777585.