THE myths and legends of Helmshore have been captured in a new book by local author and historian Chris Aspin.

Strange Stories from a Lancashire Village is a collection of unexplained sightings, unusual occurrences and tales of the past which still fascinate those living in the area today.

Chris said: “I have spent most of my life in Helmshore, a friendly place once know for its woollen and cotton mills.

“Researching the history of the textile industries and local life in general has taken up much of my time for more than half a century which has led to several books.

“But I still have material stored in a file labelled ‘the supernatural’, a collection which I suspect describes only a fraction of the inexplicable encounters experienced by local people.”

Now Chris has published many of these occurrences. Some have affected him or members of his family while others are stories from people living in the village.

Often the strength of the story is given added credibility due to the fact that the same experience has been shared by more than one person.

So we have the got the tale of a man who was hanged the previous day saying hello to Chris’s grandmother and great aunt in the street.

There is also the legend of a frozen mist which appeared around Green’s Lane and then turned into a galloping horse.

The book is packed with similar anecdotes. Anyone interested in a copy email chris _aspin@yahoo.co.uk. Copies £2 plus 60p p&p.