AN author has turned her childhood memories into a history book for her grandchildren.

The book, called "The Street - Growing Up in a Northern Town", has just gone on sale, although author Allene Norris did not originally intend to share her life with strangers.

She decided to write the book to show her six grandchildren how much things had changed since she was a girl growing up in Darlington.

As the book took shape she realised it could be used to raise money for a cause close to her heart, Leukaemia Research.

Mrs Norris, of Elton Road, Darlington, said: "Things have changed so much in the last few years.

"Children these days have mobile phones and televisions in their bedrooms. We had none of that.

"I wanted my grandchildren to read what had happened to me. I could have given the book straight to them, but then I decided to sell it to make money for Leukaemia Research in memory of David, my husband who died of leukaemia."

Mrs Norris, who is in her mid-60s, spent two years working on the book.

Remembering tales from her childhood was not difficult, but Mrs Norris had problems getting pictures to illustrate her stories.

She said: "I wanted to put original photos in the book, but it was difficult to find new pictures.

"All the impressive and most beautiful shots of the town have already been used by the great historians who have documented the town's past."

Her story starts in Duke Street, in Darlington town centre, in the 1940s, where her first memories were formed. It goes on to tell various stories from her childhood.

Despite her desire to commit her early life to paper, Mrs Norris is not totally happy with the result.

She said: "There are lots of things I wish I had included, and I keep thinking of more stories that would have been good to include.

"What I am pleased with is people's reactions to it. Everyone who has seen it so far has been impressed, which is nice."

Mrs Norris' most important critics, her grandchildren, are delighted with the book, which she dedicated to them.

She said: "They loved reading it and laughed their heads off at some of the pictures, such as the one of me in my school uniform.

"That is the reaction I wanted, and it was lovely to see them enjoying it so much."

The book is available in shops in Darlington and Mrs Norris will be signing copies in the town centre at the weekend.

She will be at Ottaker's book shop, in the Cornmill Centre, between 11.30am and 1.30pm on Friday, at the indoor market on Saturday from 10.30am to 2pm, and at the outdoor market on Monday, from 10.30am to 2pm.

All proceeds from the sale of the book will go to help the work of Leukemia Research.