A librarian has used his skills to bring the fascinating history of Northwich to life in a new book.

Mike Eddison, 61, from Winnington, together with Cheshire Record Office colleague John Hopkins, 63, was approached by a major publishing company to create the book, titled Cheshire Life.

Mike said: "They saw the pictures on the office's image website and thought the photographs, combined with documents from our archives, would make a great book. Obviously we were thrilled to be asked."

The book has some outstanding pictures, including a photograph of the FA Cup winning Manchester United squad outside the Bluecap in Sandiway in 1909.

One picture reveals the devastating effect of subsidence on the town's landscape in the late 19th century and another shows a canal burst at Marbury in 1907.

All the pictures and documents come from the vast archives at the Records Office in Chester, which would stretch for five miles if laid out.

"People don't realise just how much stuff is kept at the office, it's so interesting," said John.

The pair have been friends since meeting at the office 20-years-ago where John works as an archivist, so they were glad of the opportunity to join forces.

Mike said: "We took Fridays off work and worked at my house, my wife did us a curry and at the end of nine months, we had a finished book."

John added: "Obviously we had to agree what actually went in as we had far too much stuff but we finally got there.

"It was so satisfying to see the book in print for the first time, and it just goes to show how many interesting things can be found in the archives."

Mike is keen to speak to anyone who can provide more information or background to the pictures in the book and can be contacted on 01244 977189.

Their book is available from most bookshops and from Cheshire Books Direct on 01829 741651 priced £12.99.