WIRRAL'S Viking past and the area's links to The Beatles will be revealed during local history month.

A host of free events and talks will take place at libraries across the borough from Monday, April 3 until Thursday April 27, shedding light on the ancient and more recent history of the area.

Highlights will include two talks focusing on the Viking history of Wirral, thought to have been the first landing point for the Nordic invaders.

The peninsula is also thought to have become almost a mini Viking state during the occupation with its own borders, customs, trading posts and even its own language. 

The first, Viking Voices, will be given by Paul Vincent at Bebington Central Library on Monday April 10.

Renowned Viking expert Professor Stephen Harding from Nottingham University will talk about the borough's Viking past on Thursday April 20 at Wallasey Central Library.

The Beatles Wirral links will be the focus of a talk at Bebington Central Library, also on Thursday April 20.

The Fab Four played at The Tower Ballroom in New Brighton in 1962 and there first concert with Ringo at Hulme Hall in Port Sunlight earlier the same year.

Other events taking place during local history month include a special Local History Month fair on Saturday April 8 at West Kirby Central Library.

It will feature displays and contributions from Liverpool University, Wallasey Historical Association, West Kirby Museum and others.

Cllr Ann McLachlan, cabinet member for transformation, leisure and culture said: "Wirral has an exceptional historical past which will surprise a lot of people and Local History month is the perfect chance to find out more.

"All of the events being held are free to attend and we are lucky to have some excellent speakers, both from the borough and further afield providing their expertise and knowledge.

"For anyone wanting to find out more about the area we live in this is an unmissable opportunity which we urge residents to take advantage of".

Full details from www.wirral.gov.uk/libraries-and-archives

Any organisations interested in taking part in the Local History Month Fair on Saturday April 8 can call Diane Mitchell at Birkenhead Central Library on 0151 606 2119.