COUNCILLORS blazed the trail to launch a walking history guide to Leigh town centre.

The Leigh Town CentreTrail is a 66-page celebration of the town's proud history and architecture, produced by the council's planning department, .

It contains two walks leading readers around the centre, and is the first ever detailed account of Leigh's built environment.

Cllr John Hilton, retiring chairman of the planning committee, said: "The trail provides ample evidence that Leigh is a fascinating place with an extensive history of which Leythers can be proud."

The first part of the booklet outlines what to look out for, and draws attention to historic shop fronts and architectural styles.

The second section covers aspects of the town's history, dealing with the medieval period to 1500 and the development of the town between 1500 and 1830 with agriculture and domestic industry, and the Victorian and Edwardian period with the rise of large scale textile, coal mining and engineering industries.

People who have contributed to the nation's cultural heritage are also included - ranging from Joseph Farington, the 18th century artist and diarist, to Georgie Fame, pop star, pianist and composer.

The first walk concentrates on Market Place (pictured in the 1960s), Market Street and Railway Road and the second takes in King Street and Bradshawgate. The degree to which parts of the centre have changed or remained constant over 150 years is highlighted.

For instance in 1852 Back Salford, off Railway Road, was lined with small houses and among the residents, most of whom worked in the silk industry was a leech bleeder!

In contrast most of Railway Road frontage buildings are much as they were around 1900.

Cllr Hilton said: "A copy of the book ought to be in every Leigh home. At £3 it's excellent value."

The booklet is available from Chamley's Bookshop, Union Street, and Leigh Library.