PEOPLE of a century ago are to give an insight into their lives from January 2 in their own words.

Swindon and Wiltshire's 1901 Census will be available on microfiche at the reference library in Regent Circus.

It is part of a nationwide move by the Government's Public Record Office to make the whole of the 1901 Census available for inspection.

Details of every household in Swindon and Wiltshire in the year of Queen Victoria's death will be available, ranging from employment to health.

Roger Trayhurn, Swindon Education and Community Librarian, warned today that demand to study the microfiche was likely to be very great, and advised people to book in advance.

This can be done by telephone on Swindon 463240.

Also from January 2, the Public Record Office is making the 1901 census for the whole country available on the internet at:

www.pro.gov.uk