AN author has produced a pictorial book on the history of Bishop Auckland.

Tom Hutchinson's book is a collection of more than 230 pictures of the town and surrounding district, spanning more than 100 years.

It is Mr Hutchinson's second on the area, his first covered Bishop Auckland to Wearhead.

Many of the illustrations in the book, called The People's History - Bishop Auckland, have not been published before, and give an insight into the town's historical links with industry and the Church.

The book starts with a tour of the town and surrounding villages, then looks at the people of the area at school, work and play.

Mr Hutchinson comes from Bishop Auckland, but now lives in Birtley, Gateshead.

He said: "I collect postcards from Bishop Auckland, so I had a lot of material to start with."

The book is registered as ISBN 1 902527 80 1, and is priced at £9.99.

Details are available from The People's History, Suite 1, Byron House, Seaham Grange Business Park, Seaham, County Durham, SR7 0PY, or by telephoning 0191-5235111, or faxing 0191-5237111.