TAKE a trip down memory lane and discover the historic past of Lostock Hall and Tardy Gate through the pages of a new book written by local woman Jackie Stuart.

On realising that there was very little literature concerning the historic areas, near Preston, school secretary Jackie decided it was right to set the record straight on the myths and tales surrounding the village areas.

Now Tardy Gate-born Jackie has produced a detailed and interesting book entitled A History of Lostock Hall and Tardy Gate.

She said: "A lot has been written about other areas but nothing has been written on the history of Lostock Hall and Tardy Gate as a whole.

"I've never written anything before and thought that this would be a good challenge.

"It took me 18 months to complete and it's been fascinating to do. Once I started digging and finding information I just couldn't stop."

This beautifully packaged read will be of particular interest to older readers who may recall the 1940 Ward Street bombing, in Lostock Hall, in which 25 people were killed and 17 injured.

Others will enjoy learning the history of prominent families and old halls, passenger travel and bus operators, nearby schools and churches, cotton mills and the annual Lostock Hall Carnival.

Complete with lovely old pictures and maps this fascinating book is an ideal Christmas gift and with all proceeds going to St Catherine's Hospice (which is pictured, above, in its original form) and Lostock Hall Community School, in Avondale Drive, Lostock Hall, it is well worth the price of £1.50.

Copies can obtained from a variety of local outlets including the Tacklebox, in Watkin Lane, The Stationers shop, in Brownedge Road, and Lostock Hall Community School.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.