A number of years ago, the Local Studies Librarian, in support of a local walk based around the local author Robert Westall, researched and created a basic family chart. A podcast of the Westall Trail can be downloaded from www.westallswar.org.uk.

Robert Westall left his home at Balkwell Green but he remained attached to the area, using local scenes in many of his books.

In 1975, his book "The Machine-gunners" was an instant success, winning the first of many awards for his writing. His description of growing up in wartime North Shields has caught the imagination of millions around the world, although some sensitive critics were shocked by the language and brutality of its less than angelic characters.

Robert Westall had almost 40 books to his credit at the time of his death in 1993, and since then more have been published. "A Time of Fire" and "The Night Mare" both have local settings, as has the controversial "Falling Into Glory", at one time Waterstone's Book of the Month.

On Monday, October 20 the research team from the Northumberland and Durham Family History Society will be at North Shields Library.

Beginning Family History starts at 2.15pm followed by a session to assist in tracing Irish Records.

Book your place now at North Shields Library reception desk or ring (0191) 2005424.