YOUNG historian Penny Jones has really shown her family up.

The inquisitive 11-year-old researched her grandmother's experiences during the war to scoop honours in a national competition run by the Federation of Family History Societies.

Penny, who is a pupil at All Saints School in Wyke Regis, Weymouth, was thrilled to learn that her account of her family tree and background clinched the third prize in the Genealogy Awards for Young People.

And her work will now be put on display at the Public Record Office in Kew, Surrey, which houses the national archives.

The competition challenged budding young historians to write a report on a character or event in their family history.

Entrants also had to produce a hand-drawn family tree which covered at least three generations, produce photographs and find other memorabilia.

Penny received a cash award of £25 and a certificate for being placed in the 14 or under age group.

Her proud mum Helen, who works at The Keep military museum in Dorchester, said: "Penny chose to research her granny's wartime work as a scientist in a weapons factory at Holton Heath, near Wareham.

"She had to interview her 78-year-old granny, take photographs and collect other documents to back up the family tree she put together.

"She also attended an open day at the factory to learn more about its history.

"Her project ran to 40 pages which is a remarkable achievement for such a young girl, considering she was competing against much older children."

Mrs Jones added: "Her dad does a lot of research into the Crimean War so that is how she became interested in history."

The chairman of the Dorset Family History Society Brian Galpin also praised Penny for her achievement.

He said: "I am delighted to hear this young lady did so well. It goes to show you are never too old to learn or too young to start."