STOURPORT'S link with canals is to be celebrated in a book hoping to bring the past in line with the present.

English Heritage historians have been working with various groups for two years, gathering information and pictures for the publication.

The project, which is part of an Informed Conservation series, will delve into the past and chart the town's exciting regeneration developments.

Pauline Annis, Stourport Civic Society's chairman, said: "It will have a lot of photographs and a chapter on conservation, which is quite timely because of all the regeneration work going on in the town.

"English Heritage has also told us that it should be available at an affordable price."

Stourport Town Council, Wyre Forest District Council, British Waterways and Stourport Forward have all had an input to make the book a reality.

Similar publications have focused on Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter and Sheffield's link with the metal trade.

Mike Taylor, English Heritage's historic areas adviser for the West Midlands, said he expected the book to be on the shelves by the summer:

He added: "We have published a series of books and decided to look at Stourport because of its importance as a surviving canal town.

"It will not simply look at the town's history. We hope people will also use it as a guide to the town when they visit."