A PROJECT to write a detailed history of a thousand-year-old market town has turned up a surprise anniversary.

A team meets weekly to write what is to be known as Kirkbymoorside Times, published in monthly sections starting next March.

Headed by Bill Goodall, it consists of Robin Butler, the photo archivist, Norman Helm, treasurer, and Barry Brook, a town councillor, who is author and secretary. Completing the group is sound archivist Chris Boddy.

Extensive research is being carried out using trade directories dating back 150 years, and carrying out interviews of Kirkbymoorside's older generation.

The group has discovered that the Royal Charter granting its fair and later its market, still held each Wednesday, was granted in 1254.

The final section of the 12-part history will be published in February 2004, 750 years after the historic charter was granted and plans are being made to celebrate the anniversary.

Coun Brook has filled 130 tapes with interviews of local residents, much of it in dialect, spanning 200 hours of conversation.

The use of IT is enabling the history to be compiled and written and, when completed, it is hoped to set up a history group in Kirkbymoorside.

Mr Goodall said: "The more we research and talk to people, the more that is coming to light. It is a fascinating history and is already attracting a lot of interest."

Each of the monthly £2 editions of Kirkbymoorside Times will have between 13 and 17 chapters, and can be ordered from Coun Brook on (01751) 431841.