A BOOK about John Wesley's visits to the North-East will feature in a national collection celebrating the tercentenary of the birth of the Methodist founder.

The Travelling Preacher, by former Sunderland Polytechnic history lecturer Geoffrey Milburn, tells how Wesley made almost 50 visits, on horseback or by coach, between 1740 and 1790.

The book, based on a series of talks the author gave on radio in 1985, was first published soon after and the small print run sold out quickly.

A revised edition, which includes a complete itinerary of all the places Wesley visited, has been published by the North-East branch of the Wesley Historical Society and printed by the Methodist Publishing House.

It will be included in a collection of souvenirs and biographies being assembled to mark the 300th anniversary.

The book was launched on Saturday by author and broadcaster the Reverend Dr Leslie Griffiths, at the North Road Methodist Church, Durham City.

* The Travelling Preacher is available at booksellers for £4.75, or direct from Mr Milburn at 8 Ashbrooke Mount, Sunderland SR2 7SD. Cheques for £5.50, including post and packing, should be made payable to the Wesley Historical Society North-East Branch.