A "TREASURE trove of Richmond history" was unveiled as a book chronicling 1,000 years of the town's life was launched this week.

Richmond Civic Society has spent two years putting together the paperback volume, which includes more than 80 pictures and maps.

It was officially launched at the town hall on Wednesday by Bev Joicey, civic society chairman, and Coun Tom Burrows, the mayor.

Mr Joicey told guests that the Millennium Review identified features from each century that had a significant impact on the life of the town and its people.

He particularly thanked local historian Jane Hatcher and civic society treasurer Graham Merlane for editing the book.

"It really has been a major effort on their part to gather the material and to edit this delightful book, a treasure trove of Richmond history," he said.

Coun Burrows said: "I am amazed just how much the society managed to get into the book. The history of Richmond is so rich and yet they managed to provide a real insight into the town."

He praised the civic society for its work, which included acting as a "sounding board" for proposals which affected the town.

The society decided to mark the start of the third millennium with a review of the town, following its annual reviews published since 1978.

Invitations went out to potential authors in autumn 2000 and their contributions arrived last summer to be edited.

Maps and illustrations were added mainly from Miss Hatcher's archives and those of the Richmondshire and Georgian Theatre Royal museums and Studio 5 photographers. Other material came from the authors, local and national museums and archives, English Heritage and Ordnance Survey.

The original publication date of December 2001 was delayed to ensure the quality of illustrations was as high as possible.

The 96-page book is £11.95 from Castle Hill Bookshop and Stabler's newsagents, both in Richmond, or direct from Mr Merlane, tel 01748 826109.