A GRANDMOTHER-of-thirteen is making history as she researches an area of Preston for the first exhibition of its kind.

Christine Cromie, 63, is one of six volunteers acting as researchers, writers and oral curators for a new exhibition, to be held at The Harris Museum and Art Gallery later this year, focusing on Avenham's industry, health, education, religion and nightlife.

She has lived in Preston all her life and spent the best part of two decades living in the city centre area, initially in one of the high-rise flats and now at her home in Waldon Street.

Having walked from the streets south of Fishergate to Manchester Road and down Halsbury Street, built on top of the Syke stream, Christine claims to have discovered many unknown treasures.

She said: "Preston is built on rivers, there are tunnels everywhere. I'm researching the social aspects of Avenham and they say there used to be a pub on every corner, but there were many underground too.

"I remember going to one near the old post office, its entrance was near where all the old red phone boxes are. And there was one at the Miller Arcade. I think Ribble Buses had the club there."

Another of the hidden gems they discovered was a property on Bank Parade where the gardens are across the street and you have to go through a tunnel to get to it.

The team claim to have uncovered the fact that one of the Harris's benefactors was a regular socialite holding concerts at his home in Ribblesdale Place, near Winckley Square.

Cedric Houghton, a violinist, held musical evenings and also donated a collection of ceramics to the Harris Museum which are still on display today. Keeper of social history at the museum Emma Heslewood said: "We aim to track Avenham's history and bring it up to the present day."

According to experts Avenham was home to some of Preston's first medics and was the location for the first school at Stoneygate.

The exhibition opens on August 9 and ends in February next year. Anyone with any information or pictures can contact Emma on 01772 905406.