AT first glance, and judging by its title, I thought it was a history of choral singing in St Helens. But on closer inspection, the brand-new publication, 'Voices of St Helens', is, in fact, an oral account of bygone times in the old glass borough.

The 128-page profusely illustrated publication contains numerous everyday memories (in some cases five to the page) from everyday St Helens folk, all set out in a fascinating way.

For one thing, the great raft of recollections, steered by author David Paul, are carried apparently verbatim. And the homespun quality of the quotes adds to the charm of this fascinating dose of nostalgia which relies upon plain working-class language rather than colourfully-contrived turns of phrase.

Anyone who recalls the days of back alley middens, pawnshops, trams, trolley buses, steam engines, home-made remedies, and corner shops where you could buy everything from a rolling pin to a side of ham will revel in the memories that are conjured up.

Treasured family photographs, side-street snapshots and pictorial records of a wide range of events from church processions and field days, first Communions, village hall concerts, sports meetings and carnival queen coronations leap out from the pages. It took the author a year, taping recordings from a huge range of local folk, to complete his literary labour of love.

There are rare shots of peat stacking on Sutton Moss, of the town's first electric tramway at the turn of the century and of a social visit to Peasley Cross Labour Club of a very youthful Harold Wilson, long before he dreamed of becoming Prime Minister.

The sub-titles over the random gleanings are fascinating in themselves -- Paddy's Dole, Up in the Gods, A Pan of Pea Soup, On to the Dolly Blue, Red Raddle on the Clogs, I Got Picked On at School and Everything on Strap, among them!

Published by Tempus of Gloucestershire it costs £9.99 a copy and further details are available from Liz Mabley on 01453 883300.