A BOOK detailing the rich history of a Pendle village has hit the shops after its author signed a publishing deal – with the parish council.

Foulridge Parish Council registered as an independent publisher under the name Noyna Publishing when village historian Fay Oldland could not find any backing for her latest book, called The Story of Foulridge.

Now 2,000 copies of the book have been printed and are available to buy in Pendle.

All money raised through sales will be invested in local community groups and youth clubs.

Fay, an administrator for Pendle Heritage Trust, said she was very grateful to the parish council.

She said: “The support I have received has been overwhelming.

“My love for Foulridge started over 20 years ago when I was made the local village historian.

“It all started really small with photo exhibitions and church anniversaries and it snowballed from there.

“So to be able to produce a full, colour book about Foulridge with 180 pictures over the years is fantastic.”

In the book, Fay, who lives on the border of Colne and Foulridge, describes how the village operated during the Bronze Age.

Local ‘celebrities’ such as former Olympic athletes from the village, are also featured.

Villagers and members of the parish council celebrated the official launch of the book at Foulridge Village Hall on Friday.

Chairman Neil Barker said he was ‘delighted’ with the end product.

And Coun Andrew Wilson said he thought it was the first time a parish council had registered as a publisher.

The book’s price is £15 and is available to buy at The Bookshop Colne, in Church Street, David Ingham and Son butchers in Skipton Road, Foulridge, and Pendle Heritage Centre in Colne Road, Barrowford.