A BOOK written by amateur authors in four East Lancashire villages has been such a success that publishers are considering a second edition.

'Four Villages Past & Present' was created by a group of retired residents living in the neighbouring villages of Abbey Village, Brinscall, Withnell and Withnell Fold.

It uses poems, personal anecdotes and documented history to recall local life in the last two centuries.

The history of churches and schools, life in times of war and memories of working in the mills and quarries are recollected.

Almost every book in the first print run of 500 in December has been snapped up.

Editor Pauline Knight, 67, a retired teacher from Lodge Bank, Brinscall, said: "We just wanted to have something recording this area because it has been very popular. People have been coming to my door regularly and there are only a few copies left.

"It was a hard 18 months to complete the book.

"People who could remember the old days did not want to write it down or speak into a tape recorder."

The money for the book was raised through donations from Withnell Parish Council and the charity, the New Horizons Trust, as well as money from fundraising events such as bring and buy sales, sponsorship from local people and an anonymous benefactor who gave the final amount so the book could be published.