IT’S been a “labour of love” for a group of plumbers.

A book chronicling the history of plumbing in Nelson and Colne has been written to mark 100 years of the Nelson, Colne and District Master Plumbers’ Association.

And the book is on sale now to raise money for Pendleside Hospice.

The centenary book details the history, and traditions, of the association.

Edward Padgett, president of the association, said: “This book is to record something of our Lancashire mill towns’ plumbing history, and traditions of a proud association.

“The book has taken around 12 months to come together.

“It has been a labour of love.

“It’s certainly been a labour.

“We’ve had quite a few sponsors which has managed to pay for the printing, and Burnley College has helped design it and put it together, so everything from the sales we can donate to the hospice.

“We’ve had 1,000 copies printed and we are selling it at £3 a copy, as we want it to be affordable, so hopefully we can raise close to £3,000.”

The association started off just covering Nelson and Colne but, as other associations have closed, it now has members from Blackburn and Burnley, and in total it has around 20 members.

Mr Padgett, whose one- year stint as president will end next month, said: “Nelson, Colne and District has got to this milestone of 100 years only through great effort of time and commitment from many presidents, treasurers, secretaries, auditors and, of course, members.

“I believe all who have embraced the association have formed a bond of friendship, with help and advice to new members from more experienced members unbroken now for a century.”

The book is available to order from www.nelson andcolnemaster plumbers.co.uk