this week, ANNE MUSSON delights in Downham

EAST Lancashire author Anne Musson's favourite place needs no introduction to anyone who has read her book, My Beloved Downham -- A Childhood Memory.

Grandmother Anne, of Moorland Crescent, Clitheroe, shares a wealth of happy memories from her youth in the book and has even sold copies to BBC crew members currently filming the second series of Born and Bred, starring James Bolam and Michael French, in the village. Former EastEnders star Michael has also bought a copy.

Anne said: "I wouldn't want to live there now because you cannot recreate what you had. Life has changed, things are different, but the years I had there shaped me -- they were very special. We were free to roam and develop naturally, this freedom gave us our characters. We had no fear."

Toys from Anne's childhood in the 1940s, including a sledge and wheelbarrow made by her father, hoop and stick, whip and top and marbles, are being displayed in Kaydee Bookshop in Moor Lane, Clitheroe, where the book is on sale. "It has really been a talking point," Anne said.

The book costs £7.50. For more information call the shop on 01200 422698.