AFTER 25 years of research the history of one of North Yorkshire's market towns can be told as never before.

The highs and lows of town life, and its activity and status since the 18th century, are compiled in Mick Riordan's latest publication, The History of Northallerton, which will be launched on Friday, November 1.

Mr Riordan, the official Northallerton historian for the town council, has been working on the book since 1978. He said: "I became interested in writing about the town's history 25 years ago and it was when I started that I realised just how little I knew. I began to research in real depth, utilising every local paper published dating back to the 1700s."

The previous publication on Northallerton's history dates back to 1885, and is by the Reverend Joseph Seywell, and as Mr Riordan pointed out, since then the town has experienced two world wars, the birth of motor cars and the use of electricity.

Mr Riordan, 68, has spent most of his life in Northallerton and said he feels a natural affinity with both the town and its people. A history graduate from Sheffield University, he has had six history books published.

He said about his new book: "It is a factual and definitive account of the town's history, but my own interests, knowledge and humour are apparent in the writing.

"It's very readable and I feel there is a real need for this work."

The book has been published by Alan Avery, Blackthorn Press, Pickering, and will be launched at Ottakers book store on the high street with the backing of the town council. Northallerton's Mayor, Councillor Jack Dobson, and the chief executive of North Yorkshire County Council, Jeremy Walker, will be at the launch