A parish council is urging people to share their memories in a new history of Leigh Sinton, Leigh and Bransford.

Leigh and Bransford Parish Council is putting together the book for publication towards the end of next year.

Parish councillor Malcolm Scott said: "It will cover all aspects of the parish's history, from ancient times up to and including the present day.

"An important aspect of the book is that it will be a social history. For this reason, we're particularly interested in hearing older people's experiences of living here in the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s.

"We're also are interested in everything, what it was like to grow up here, what school was like, what people did for a living, important events, how people entertained themselves, village characters; the list is endless."

"We're also interested in seeing old photographs of village activities and families at work and play that we could use."

Mr Scott pointed out that there had been dramatic changes in the parish, particularly since the Second World War.

Those he highlighted included the closure of the parish's railway, the change beyond recognition of farming and the closure of shops and pubs

He said: "Even after the war, farming was labour-intensive, with hops and fruit being probably the most important crops.

"Now both hops and fruits have almost vanished and farms are often worked by single families."

Leigh and Bransford Parish Council has applied for a Discovering Worcestershire Community Grant to help finance the book.

Grants of up to £3,000 are available for projects led by community groups to identify, protect and celebrate what is special about their area.

People placing advance orders for the book will have their names printed in a list of subscribers. Anyone who can help, should contact Malcolm Scott on 01886 833526 or email him on m.c.scott@ bham.ac.uk.