COMPUTER users can plug into the mysteries of local history thanks to a drive to make archives more accessible.

Bury Archive Service has put a selection of material stored at its Edwin Street office into computer form, allowing users to access it from anywhere in the world.

The new format is part of the North West Regional Archive Council project Our Mutual Friends in The North, which has received £80,000 in funding.

The information includes details of Bury's Union Street Methodist Church and confusion surrounding the resting place of church founder, James Wrigley.

There are also documents from 19th century about Bury's Cotton Famine Relief Fund, the Heap Bridge Band and Bury Cricket Club.

The website was launched last week by borough archivist Kevin Mulley, with the backing of Bury Local History Society.

Mr Mulley said: "Previously archives only had limited appeal and weren't so easily accessible.

"By putting Bury's catalogues on-line we have brought the town's history to everyone's fingertips."