Liverpool celebrates its history

A children's local history section has been set up at the library

A 13th Century document which is the earliest record of the town of Liverpool went on show in the city on Saturday.

King John's charter of 1207 is the rarest of the documents on show as part of an exhibition of the city's past.

Other important historical treasures at Liverpool Central Library included the world's first report by a medical health officer.

Members of the public were also invited to trace their ancestors and see how they lived.

The exhibition is part of the North West Archives Festival.

Victorian washday

A new children's section on local history has been installed at the library, to get youngsters interested in their city's history.

Called Pye Street, it features two archive photographs enlarged to fill the walls - one of Pye Street, Wavertree in 1934 and one of children at Steble Fountain in the 1890s.

Children could also try out traditional toys, dress up in Victorian clothing and take part in a 19th Century washday.

Councillor Warren Bradley, of Liverpool City Council, said: ''Liverpool has an amazing history and fortunately we have a world-class archive collection to tell its story.

"Thanks to modern technology, we are now beginning to fully explore the city's role in the world and at the same time serving the huge public interest in local history and tracing family roots.

''This festival gives us a chance to see up close some of Liverpool's most important archives up close and celebrate our history in a fun way."

The exhibition is open on Saturday 20 September until 1700 BST.