TRAGIC tales highlighting the plight of Britain's orphans are the subject of the latest book by Preston author Jean Shansky.

Silent Tears tells the story of 28 orphans bought up in institutions in the early part of the 20th Century.

Each chapter focuses on life at an orphanage from the different perspectives of the people involved. Many of the people mentioned are now in their eighties but after all this time their experiences are still vivid.

Mrs Shansky, from Penwortham, said the horror endured by many of those she spoke to have left them scarred for life.

She said: "What struck me while writing to these people was the lack of affection they had received. They were cared for but love and affection was was a very rare commodity for them.

"For many people it has affected them for the rest of their lives.

The book took nine months to complete and involved writing letters to newspapers across the UK in search of people who had lived in orphanages when they were younger.

After establishing contact, letters were exchanged back and forth, and Mrs Shansky said she managed to form a close bond with the people involved.

"Researching the book was very sad in parts and a lot of these people are in need of someone to talk to.

"But I have managed to become good friends with many of them and will make sure that we stay in touch."

Mrs Shansky started writing books as a hobby after she retired, and Silent Tears is her fifth book in a series on Social History.

The book is priced at £6.50 plus £1 post and package and can be purchased by sending a cheque payable to JM Shansky to 27, Birch Avenue, Penwortham, Preston, PR1 OPB.