A FASCINATING look at the history of Consett through archive photographs has been published.

County Durham Books, the publishing arm of Durham County Council, has put together a nostalgic "walk" around the town in Memories of Consett.

It draws heavily on archive material from Consett Library, but has also been supported by local people who contributed photographs and their reminiscences.

Senior library assistant Carol Nesbitt, who edited the book, said: "We wanted to do a book with a difference and have tried to include as many photos as we could that have not been published before.

"At one stage, everyone in Consett had somebody in their family connected to the steelworks. The book features the steelworks, but it also looks at the cokeworks and railways and other facets of life in the town, including leisure activities."

The 'walk' shows dramatic changes over the years to the town's buildings and the physical layout of the area.

The demise of the steel and coal industries and the subsequent financial investment in the area has resulted in a vast difference to working and living conditions, especially a cleaner and healthier environment.

Starting at the original Consett war memorial in Aynsley Terrace, the 'walk' goes to the town centre, showing early views of Victoria Road, the old telephone exchange and bus station and the infamous "red dust" drifting over the town centre.

There are also views of Blackhill, the Co-op at Shotley Bridge, a laden stagecoach in full flight, tea parties, school groups, miners and steel men.

Memories of Consett costs £3.50 and is available in bookshops, from County Durham Books on 0191-383 4933 or online at www.durham.gov.uk/ countydurhambooks