A book has been launched to coincide with the revamp of a Teesside park.

Middlesbrough's Albert Park: History, Heritage and Restoration, traces the history of the Victorian "people's park" from its creation in 1866 to its recent multi-million pound makeover.

Local historian and author Norman Moorsom decided to write the book partly to honour the memory of Henry Bolckow, who gave the park to Middlesbrough.

Mr Moorsom said: "The town owes a great debt to Henry Bolckow. Many people don't know that.

"The book is aimed at a wide audience, from the serious student to older readers who want to spend an hour or so reading the contemporary descriptions, looking at the photographs and reminiscing about days gone by."

Now he is planning to write a sequel volume based on memories of the park and wants help from local people.

"We're looking for photographs, drawings, memories - anything that will make the book a real community celebration of our park," said Middlesbrough-born Mr Moorsom.

A new visitor centre and roller rink were unveiled at the park two weeks ago. Phase two of the park's refurbishment - funded with a Heritage Lottery grant - will begin in the autumn.

The book is available until Friday, July 5, at the reduced price of £6.50 from Middlesbrough libraries, the visitor centre at Albert Park and the GetIT centre, in Albert Road.

It goes on sale at bookshops the day after at the full price of £9.99.

Anyone with contributions for Mr Moorsom's next book should send them to him c/o Middlesbrough Reference Library, Victoria Square.