AS Newent Onion Fayre approaches, a local woman has put together and published a unique book about the history and use of onions through the ages.

The publication, An Onion a Day, has been edited by Jenny Grassom of Winfield, Newent, who has spent two years writing to friends and celebrities alike to get those special onion recipes.

People who responded included celebrity presenter and artist, Rolf Harris and Quentin Letts, the Parliamentary sketch writer for the Daily Mail. Mrs Grassom, who is also treasurer of the Onion Fayre, said Rolf Harris also supplied a recipe in his own handwriting.

Mr Letts wrote of his favourite onion dip: "I was introduced to this horribly fattening treat by a Californian in Dublin who found that it gave him much needed ballast at the start of an evening on the Guinness.

"What better advertisement can you get for a dip that is loaded with calories?

"This is not just a book of 60 onion recipes but also gives information on the various onion varieties and has a fascinating historical slant on this versatile vegetable."

During her researches, Mrs Grassom discovered that onions were painted on the inner walls of Egyptian pyramids, and formed part of sacrificial rituals.

Some mummies were found with onions in their eye sockets and ears.

The book, costing £2 a copy, can be obtained from various venues in Newent, including the Good News Centre, Hawthorns and Snack-A-Tack. The publication will also be on sale at the Onion Fayre itself.

Mrs Grassom said she decided to compile the book to raise funds for the fayre.

She added: "I received unstinted help and support from Catherine Mason of Redmarley, who wrote Vegetable Heaven and Veg, and I'm indebted to friends from Thailand, Mexico, Israel, New Zealand, France, Italy and Hong Kong, for their contributions."