Inspired by programmes including the BBC's Who Do You Think You Are?, a new generation of family historians will be given help tracing their family trees and learning where their ancestors are from.

The fair takes place from 10am to 4.30pm in Debenham Leisure Centre.

Alec Quarterman, who organises the event, said: "The majority of people really get into it. People get so far and then hit a brick wall. They come here and we can send them on a fact-finding trail."

He said that at a previous event, one family managed to trace their lineage back to 1500 and he has traced his own family back to South American ancestors in 1820.

"The majority of people who come along are over 40," he said. "They do it for their children because they want to pass on what they can about their family history."

The Suffolk Record Office will be present at the fair, along with the Norfolk, Kent, Nottinghamshire, and East of London family history societies.

But Mr Quarterman said that in order to make a successful search, it is necessary to take some family historical documents such as certificates, which include surnames, places and dates.

He added people need to have some knowledge about their family history beforehand, for example: where their family lived and what their occupation was.

Other stalls at the fair will include computer software, charts, books, postcards – everything to aid the process of tracing family history. Entry to the family history fair is £2.

For more details, call Alec Quarterman, 01344 451479.