THE Public Record Office's computers may have gone into 'meltdown' following the publication of the 1901 census on line, but Herefordshire folk can trace their relatives by looking a bit closer to home.

The publication of the 1901 census on the Public Record Office's website has attracted millions of visitors - so many the Office now carries a message on its home page apologising to people who can't access records because of the number of visitors.

However, Herefordshire's very own Record Office, in Harold Street, Hereford, has microfiche copies of the Herefordshire entries in the 1901 census.

These can be used to trace relatives living at the turn of the century or even to find out who lived in a house and what job they did a century ago.

"We've already had a number of people come in and make use of the 1901 census information", said Sue Hubbard, Manager of the Office.

"Many of them are thrilled to see their grandparents on the census for the first time", she added.

"It's a shame the Public Record Office's computers can't cope with the high demand, but it shows what a huge interest people have in tracing their relatives.

"We have microfiche of the entire 1901 census for Herefordshire, which includes small parts of areas slightly over the county's borders - including Gloucestershire, Shropshire and Gwent.

"If anyone wants to come and have a look, they just need to give us a bell on 01432 260750 to book themselves some time on a microfiche machine", said Sue.

She added: "For people wishing to research other areas of the country we can also provide internet access to the Public Record Office website and we have a good supply of vouchers for sale which people will need in order to access detailed entries".

The Hereford Record Office is open from 9.45am-4.45pm on Monday and 9.15am-4.45pm Tuesday to Friday.