PENWORTHAM author Jean Shansky has produced her third book about Preston in days gone by.

In "Yesterday's World (The Dreaded Workhouse)", the author follows the character of Mary as she goes about her daily chores.

Working at Horrocks' Mill in Stanley Street, Preston, during the early 1900s, Mary toiled for 12-hours a day in the often hazardous cotton mill.

If she were not trying to avoid the flying metal-tipped shuttles that regularly shot out of the looms, she was holding her breath to avoid inhaling cotton dust.

Even when she was eight months pregnant, Mary took her life in her hands working the dangerous looms to take home money for her family.

It details her involvement with community events such as the Whitsuntide Walks and fair, the Co-op field day and the 1922 Preston Guild.

There is also an interesting chapter on the First World War and the devastation it caused to many people.

The text contains black and white photographs from the time and is an enjoyable read from start to end.

It is published by Smith's Press priced at £5.95 and can be ordered by visiting the author's website at www.jmshanksy.co.uk or by writing to her at 27 Birch Avenue, Penwortham, Preston, PR1 0PB.