THE olden and not-so-olden days of Annfield Plain are revealed in photographs from a new book.
Local amateur historian Jack Hair has compiled the book, called Annfield Plain and District, which celebrates the history of the area from coal mining disasters to the glory of world champion boxer Glenn McCrory in the 1980s.
It contains a photograph of McCrory with the greatest boxer of them all, Muhammad Ali, and the old Annfield Plain Co-op.
The selection of more than 200 photographs looks at Annfield Plain, Catchgate, Greencroft, Hare Law, Kyo and East Castle.
Mr Hair said: "Other books have been compiled on this area by people such as Fred Wade and Bill Jennings.
"They are a more accurate historical and factual account than I could hope to do.
"Both books are a worthy read for students of the subject and I have drawn from their knowledge of the area.
"I hope to give a more personal recollection of people's memories, plus an insight into the life of the district.
"Annfield Plain owes its existence mostly to the coal-mining industry.
"Coal mining has long gone, but the people remain, and it is my belief that the strength of any district is the people."
The book costs £9.99 and is available from local bookshops.
The publisher, The People's History, can be contacted on 0191-523 5111
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