A major project tracing the history of Yorkshire women through the ages is launched today.

Via the Internet, people will be able to access information about figures ranging from the Bront sisters to Countess de Grey.

The archive - compiled using diaries, letters and other records - also includes testimonies of local women who worked in the mills in the early part of the last century.

"From History to Her Story" will bring together around 85,000 images on a purpose-built web site, creating a major learning resource for everyone from academic researchers to school children.

The initiative - financed by the New Opportunities Fund - involves several organisations including the West Yorkshire Archive Service, the Bront Society, Huddersfield University and five local authorities.

Councillor Graham Clarke, chairman of West Yorkshire Joint Services, welcomes the ground breaking project.

He said: "From History to Her Story is exactly what we need to bring learning opportunities alive to all in the community.

"It demonstrates how local people and organisations can work together and be enthusiastic about projects with a local focus. I think it is wonderful to have a project celebrating Yorkshire women."

For further information visit the web site at www.archives.wyjs.org.uk/nof.htm.