A HISTORIAN has drawn upon her neighbours’ earliest memories to create a children’s history book which sees a magic mobile phone transport youngsters through time.

Norma Neal from Sedgefield, County Durham, hopes The Magic Mobile will inspire a passion for local history among its readers by appealing to their sense of adventure and love of gadgets.

The book tells the story of Adam, a 12-year-old boy who like many children is never without his mobile phone.

However, Adam does not realise his phone has the power to transport him through time and the fun begins when the inquisitive youngster unlocks its potential.

With the help of Cedric, a young Saxon boy he meets along the way, Adam jumps backwards and forwards through time, discovering more and more about his hometown’s past.

Many of his encounters are based on the childhood memories of Sedgefield residents, including an anecdote from Dulcie Claxton, 98, about a shamrock laundry cart which came to the village one Easter and offered rides for tuppence.

Adam and Cedric also enjoy a tour of the Sedgefield Camp, inspired by the memories of Burma Star Veteran Les Butler who was stationed there during the Second World War.

Mrs Neal, a member of Sedgefield Local History Society, teamed up with Sedgefield artist Walter Howell on the project whose beautiful illustrations also feed the reader’s imagination.

Five years in the making, the book is very much a labour of love.

“I am pleased with the finished book,” said Mrs Neal, 66. “I didn’t write it chronologically like a traditional school text book as I wanted it to be an adventure.

“I also wanted the main character to be someone children can relate to. It is a history of Sedgefield through the eyes of children.”

Mr Howell, 79, added: “This book is a result of skills, knowledge and friendship. I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of it.”

The Magic Mobile is published by Addo Printing Ltd on behalf of Sedgefield Local History Society with support from Durham County Council and County Durham Community Foundation.

It will be officially launched at Manor House in Sedgefield on Saturday, September 26 at 1pm, before being distributed to schools in the town.

Refreshments will be provided. To attend, contact 01740-620091 or norma@neal.myzen.co.uk

The book will also be available to buy, priced at £9.99, at the Post Office, Village Style and Toschach’s tearoom in Sedgefield, Hardwick Park and Wynyard Hall.