A NEW book will offer people in Shildon a trip down memory lane.

The collection of photographs, called Memories of Shildon, has been published by County Durham Books.

This week, dignitaries and the public gathered to see the book unveiled at Shildon Town Library.

It shows photographs dating from the early 1900s to recent times, showing how shops, schools, street scenes, churches and chapels used to look.

There are also pictures of winning football teams, scouts troops, children and carnivals.

Former town library manager John Mallan returned to his old post to launch the book, which was put together by librarian Joyce Strong after an appeal to residents for old photographs.

He said: "Every town in the county has its own history and it is good to have something like this to look back on.''

Town council chairman Councillor Garry Huntington praised the book, congratulated Mrs Strong for all her hard work and presented her with a gift.

Mrs Strong said: "We received so many photographs, at least three times as many as were printed. I have really enjoyed putting it all together.

"I am Shildon born and bred and I have learned so much about the town by doing this.''

The book is on sale for £2.95 in libraries in County Durham, or is available by visiting the Internet website at www.durham.gov.uk/county durhambooks.