A BOOK charting the 25-year history of Preston College has been dedicated in memory of one of its students, who died in a car crash two years ago.

'Preston College 1974-1999, the first 25 years' has been written to mark its silver anniversary.

It has been written by local man Robin Heald who, until 1996, was head of the humanities and English faculty at Preston College.

And Robin has decided to dedicate the book in the memory of his son Ben who died in a car crash in Inglewhite in September 1998, shortly after his 18th birthday.

Robin is one of the few teachers at the college who have worked there since it was established in 1974.

He said: "Although the college has only been here for 25 years, a lot has happened in that time.

"I was asked by the principal to write the book to mark the anniversary." Preston College was originally called W R Tuson college, named in honour of a local education officer. It opened following the merger of the town's two sixth forms when Preston Polytechnic was created.

Concentrating on the vocational courses, the college was opened in St Vincents Road. It changed its name to Preston College in the late 80s, after Preston Polytechnic became Lancashire Polytechnic.

"Since then," Robin added, "the college has grown phenomenally and expanded to include A levels.

"The book does make for very interesting reading because it also reflects how the town has changed."

He added: "To dedicate the book to my son Ben, who was a student at the college, was the natural thing to do."

The book will be officially launched next week. The college has already held a series of celebrations to mark its 25th year, including the official opening of the new sports facility today (Thursday) by HRH Princess Anne.