COPIES of a new book on the history of Earby sold out in double quick time on Saturday.

The book was launched by Earby and District Local History Society, which had a stall at the town's Autumn Fair.

Demand was so high that supplies of the new book were exhausted by the end of the event and now a second print run has been commissioned.

Entitled "Earby and District in Bygone Days", it is a reproduction of a manuscript written in the early part of the 20th century by James Lindley.

The original manuscript was in the possession of Lewis Lord and was subsequently donated to the history society by Marion Lord.

It was written as an article for a local newspaper of the time and, with the blessing of James Lindley's descendants, the society has used it as the basis for the new book. It is also illustrated with old photographs of Earby from the society's own archives.

James Lindley came to Earby in 1885 to take the post of headmaster at the Wesleyan Day School and in 1910 was appointed to the headship of the newly opened Alder Hill School.

Besides his school connections, he was active in many aspects of local life including the Methodist Church, the Skipton and District Band of Hope, Earby Naturalist Society, the Earby Horticultural Society and was also a director of the Earby Shed Company.

One of his descendants is Squire Firth, a present day member of the history society who helped to man its stall at Saturday's Autumn Fair.

Once the book is reprinted, copies will be available at the monthly meetings of Earby and District Local History Society or from the Tourist Information Centre at Barnoldswick Council Shop.The society meets at the New Road Community Centre on the third Tuesday of each month from 7.30pm and new members and visitors are always welcome.

Next Tuesday, October 15, the guest speaker will be Alan Catlow, who will give an illustrated talk on the history of Burnley, Nelson and Colne Joint Transport.