FORMER history teacher Sandra Charlton has compiled a fascinating insight into the life and times of her home town.

It took Mrs Charlton and a small team of volunteers nearly three years to complete the task of producing Just Us 2000, a history of Wolsingham during the last millennium.

The illustrations and words in the ten volumes, which are kept in the Town Hall, were supplied by local families following an appeal by Wolsingham Parish Council.

After the books were given to the town, Mrs Charlton said: "Some of the contributions we received go back generations and provide a fascinating insight into life here over the years.

"I regard the finished volumes as an instant piece of social history, which will be invaluable to future generations."

Mrs Charlton said a second copy of Just Us 2000 was being produced for the county archives in Durham.

The ten volumes each contain 40 pages covering schools, churches, business life and social organisations. They have been placed in a solid oak cabinet built by carpenter John Alderson.

Retired forensic scientist Norman Weston, who chaired the committee set up to handle the project, paid tribute to the work of Mrs Charlton and her team of volunteers.

He said: "Although only 305 out of the 1,100 households in Wolsingham responded to our appeal, we regard that as not a bad return.

"Everyone associated with the project can have a real sense of pride at what they have achieved."