A BOOK about the North-East’s Roman heritage has been produced by a local history group. The Friends of Longovicium, based in Lanchester, County Durham, have secured over £6,500 in funding to create the 26 page publication. The group has printed 4,000 copies, which features articles and pictures, and it will be available from Lanchester Library, local shops and group members. Group member Anne McKenzie said: "It has been created for the residents of Lanchester. A lot of people did not know the Romans were here when we did a previous book about the fort. We hope it will educate people about their history." The Roman fort at Lanchester, which was built in around 140AD, lies half a mile south-west of the village on the line of Dere Street, which was originally a military supply route running from York to Edinburgh. The fort covered six acres and housed around 1,000 foot soldiers and cavalry. The group received £6,000 funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and £500 from the archaeological department of Durham County Council as well as raising money themselves. Londovicium, A Roman Town at Lanchester is being launched at Lanchester Community Centre with a family funday that runs from 10.30-2.30pm, on Saturday July 9 and is free.