A BOOK detailing the proud steel-making heritage of Consett has been reprinted in time for Christmas.

Thread of Iron looks at the history of Consett and Shotley Bridge over 2,000 years, from iron production after the Roman conquest, to the famous German swordmakers of the 18th Century, up to the closure of the works in 1980.

Written by Douglas Vernon, 84, who was employed at British Steel's Consett Works for 25 years, it was published earlier this year, but the initial print run sold out in weeks. A second edition is now available.

For further details, visit the website, www. threadofiron.co.uk