THE story of how German POWs were befriended by the people of East Lancashire will be published next week. A reception to celebrate the launch of "Enemies Become Friends" will be held at the new heritage and visitors' centre, Oswaldtwistle, on April 24.

The author is Pamela Howe Taylor whose late father was a Methodist minister and Protestant padre to the prisoners, based at Stanhill Camp between Oswaldtwistle and Accrington in the Second World War.

Using letters, diaries and newspaper reports collected by her late father, she has pieced together the moving account of how they forged friendships with local people, some lasting to the present day. Beirut hostage Terry Waite has said of "Enemies Become Friends": "Not only has Pamela Taylor written a moving story of reconciliation, she has also recorded for future generations a valuable piece of social history."

Lancashire Evening Telegraph editor Peter Butterfield says on the back cover: " Pamela Taylor painstakingly details the amazing relationship built up between a small Lancashire town and the German prisoners of war ".

Mrs Taylor, who lives with her husband in Devon, will be signing copies of the paperback at the new heritage centre, in The Straits, Oswaldtwistle, between 2 and 4pm.

Book signings will also be held on Saturday April 26 at WH Smith, Lord Square, Blackburn 12 noon to 2pm and Wardleworths Bookshop, Broadway, Accrington, 3 to 4.30pm.

The book, price £6.95, is available from bookshops or from publishers The Book Guild, based in Lewes, East Sussex on 01273 472534.

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