LIKE everyone else in Consett, Tommy Moore knows exactly what it meant for the town when they closed the steelworks 20 years ago.

In fact, the steelworks has dominated his life so much, that he decided to write a commemoration of the works, to be launched on the anniversary of the closure, next Tuesday. Mr Moore, the chairman of Derwentdale History Society, has had plenty of time to research the book - from the moment he worked the last shift at the plant.

The book, called Consett - A Commemoration of the Works, begins by taking the reader through the works' early history.

But the final chapters are the most emotional. One chapter is based around the diary of John Eyles who was industrial chaplain during the final months.

There is a picture special section at the end, called Remember the Workers.

"I hope it will bring back memories, but I also hope it will go down well just as a document of our steel works," said Mr Moore.

Only 1,200 books will be printed. They will be available from local shops for £9.99.