AGE Concern Okehampton and Torridge is calling for volunteers to assist with a history project.

The organisation is looking for people to join their New Clicks programme, funded by Okehampton United Charities, to help transcribe details from written records that document the ownership, occupiers and areas of all tithed land in the parish of Inwardleigh.

The tithe was an annual payment, approximating to one tenth of the produce of the land, to the parish for the maintenance of the church and the clergy.

In 1836 the government made a change from the payment of tithes in kind to payments in money. In the following years maps for the entire country were drawn up and detailed records made.

Barrie Duke, chief officer for the branch, said: 'We are very aware of the number of people who are looking for work in the town and hope that some might be encouraged to come to the centre at 2 Crediton Road, Okehampton, and get free help in learning computer skills.

'We have helped many people who thought that they could never use a computer and one user gained promotion at work through learning with us.

'We hope that this could be a way of learning about the people who lived and worked in Inwardleigh over 100 years ago.'

Anyone, of any age, who has very basic skills can join the group and help in this local history project. This is also an opportunity for helpers to learn the basics of spreadsheets as simple training will be given.

All enquiries should be made to 2 Crediton Road between 9.30am and 1pm on weekdays, or by ringing 01837 55838.

Requests for more information can be made by email, at [email protected]">[email protected] or by using the enquiry form on http://www.acot.org.uk">www.acot.org.uk