Discover Merton's rich history with a range of heritage events this month.

Children's activities, bitesize history talks and photography workshops are among free events planned for the Merton Heritage Discovery Day in Morden Library on Saturday, March 28.

Highlights include a kid's archaeology session featuring a mini-excavation led by the Merton Priory Trust and renowned archaeologist Dave Saxby. Suitable for children over the age of six, it will run from 10am to 4pm.

A children's storytelling session will kick off at 10.45am, inspired by images from Merton's past. For something more energetic, children are invited to have a go at a range of craft and dressing up sessions from 2pm to 4pm.

Throughout the day, a 'market place' will host stalls from Merton's many active heritage groups, from the John Innes Museum to Southside House and the Museum of Wimbledon.

An interactive display from the Wandle Trust will show the effect of the River Wandle on the environment; and a photo display will chart the experiences of nurses and patients at Morden Hall military hospital during the First World War.

Afternoon talks include 'Merton at 50', a snapshot of the borough's history, by heritage officer Sarah Gould and 'Mitcham Cricket Green: Past, Present and Future', by Tony Burton, of Mitcham Cricket Green Community & Heritage.

These will be followed by 'John Innes - the Squire of Merton' by Alison Cousins of the John Innes Society and 'Sindy and her Family Tree - a 1963 Fashion Doll' by David Luff of Merton Historical Society. 

Councillor Nick Draper, Merton Council's cabinet member for community and culture, said: "I would encourage everyone to attend the Discovery Day and find out about your local heritage through a range of interesting and interactive activities, with something to suit everyone.

"This will also be a great opportunity to find out more about the Carved in Stone project which explores Merton’s role in the First World War as well as hearing from local organisations about the borough’s heritage.”

For more information, visit Merton Council's website.