Scouting in the borough, the fascinating history behind Croydon Airport and the impact slavery had on New Addington are just a few subjects which will be examined at a local studies fair this month.

Residents again have the chance to explore the borough's rich history at the annual fair at the Croydon Clocktower on March 31.

Chris Bennett, archivist at Croydon's local studies library and archive service, said: "This has always been a very popular event. It's a chance for people to find out what local history groups are in the area.

"Very often, people don't realise how much local history we have to research here in Croydon. We are very lucky compared to other boroughs that we have a wide range of local history societies, ones that cover particular areas.

"We have the Bourne Society which covers Coulsdon and Purley and the Addington Society. However, there are also groups that cover specialist subjects, like the Crystal Palace Foundation."

q The day kicks off at 10am with screenings of old films of Croydon, which includes footage of the great fire which destroyed the Crystal Palace in 1936.

q At 12pm Bob Duffett from the Croydon Airport Society will give a talk on the history of the airport, exploring the period of the first fighter base in 1915 to the airport's closure in 1959.

q At 1pm, to coincide with the 200th anniversary of the abolition of slavery, Joyce Hoad from the Addington Heritage Society will give a talk on the American colonies and slavery, and the impact it had on Croydon and New Addington.

q At 2pm Mick Gilbert from Croydon Scouts will talk about early scouting.

q At 3pm the Croydon Natural History and Scientific Society's Celia Bailey will explore the history of the Norbury Estate and how London County Council built up the Pollards Hill area.

Chris added: "We think the talk on scouting will be very popular, particularly as this year is the centenary of the scouting movement.

"There will also be a number of stalls and a sale of second-hand books.

"Tracing family trees has always been a popular thing for people to do and the Family History Society will also be at the fair to show people how to get started researching their family history.

"It's all free so everyone should take advantage."

The local studies fair will take place in the concourse of the Croydon Clocktower, Katharine Street, next Saturday, March 31, from 10am to 4pm. Admission is free and booking is not necessary.