MOTORING journalist and writer Laurence Meredith has

turned to people for his latest book.

Herefordshire People, takes an affectionate look, mostly in photographs old and new, at the human side of the county he has called home for more than 40 years.

He has already published some 34 books, mainly on classic German cars from famous marques such as Porsche and Mercedes.

"The presenter of a television holiday programme recently made himself unpopular by describing Herefordshire as having little or nothing in the way of attractions for tourists," he said.

"There are many people I know, both residents and visitors, who frequently describe the country as 'sleepy' - a place where little happens - a dullard's paradise and on the face of it they might be right. There is, however, an abundance of evidence to prove they are wrong."

Mr Meredith goes on to marshall the evidence and has amassed - a considerable collection of pictures, interwoven with his own wry observations.

Herefordshire People chronicles many of the individuals who played their part in shaping the county's unique character.

From the 8th Century to the present day, this book focuses on people from all walks of life who have in some way made a mark on the county.

These include the medieval bishops who established or consolidated Hereford's cathedral, through 19th Century luminaries like H P Bulmer, of cider fame, and Alfred Watkins, pioneer of archaeology and photography, to notable figures of the present day.

Herefordshire People is part of the Britain in Old Photographs series from Sutton Publishing, which has also put out ten of Mr Meredith's motoring volumes.

A hardback, Herefordshire People is priced £12.99 and is available from bookshops.