27 February 2013

Genetics experts at the University of Sheffield are looking for volunteers with a family history in North Wales to take part in an experiment that will feature in an exciting new science television series.

The efforts of the research team will be filmed by the Alfresco production company, part of the Boom Pictures group, for a new S4C series, Corff Cymru ('Welsh Body’). Corff Cymru will be broadcast on S4C in late April.

The researchers are looking for male volunteers from North Wales, and especially the old Montgomeryshire area, who can trace their paternal ancestry back at least two generations (i.e. both they and their father’s father should be from the Montgomeryshire area).

The overall aim of the experiment is to study the DNA of people from Wales and the neighbouring county of Shropshire, to try to interpret their ancestry in the context of known historical events, such as Bronze Age Copper mining activity in Llandudno and Anglesey.

The research project is led by Dr Andrew Grierson from the University of Sheffield. He says the procedure is quick and straightforward:

"A DNA sample will be taken in the form of a painless cheek swab. The individual results will be anonymised and we will only report the aggregated data from the area as a whole. This is an exciting experiment and will contribute hugely to an important piece of historical research in this area."

If you would like to help, the research team will be at COBRA Clubhouse in Meifod on Saturday the 2nd of March to take samples before their match with Abergele. Kick off is at 2:30pm so we ask individuals who would like to participate to arrive at the clubhouse early.

We would be delighted to welcome any suitable candidates wishing to take part in the experiment to come and see us on the day. If you are interested in participating in this unique project please contact the number below for more information. You can find out more about the ongoing research on the University's website www.shef.ac.uk/archaeology/research

Steffan Watkins – Alfresco 02920 671 547 or Steffan.watkins@boompicturescymru.co.uk