NEWENT Local History Society will launch its ground-breaking book, Chapters in Newent's History, at the Community School on September 11.

The invitation-only gala evening will involve around 120 guests, who will be able to get a sneak preview of the first ever comprehensive account of the historic market town.

The £14.95 book will go on general release two days later, on Saturday, September 13, during the Newent Onion Fayre.

The publication has already gone to press and society members are expecting the first copies in their hands by the end of this week.

Frances Penney, society chairman, said: "The book has been the culmination of a lot of hard work by members of the society and we hope it will become an important reference for local residents and students of history. We hope it will form the basis for future heritage projects."

The book has 19 chapters, which have been written and researched by eight members of the society, with help from the Newent community.

Interesting topics include Early History, Glass Making, Religion, Education, Wars, Public Services, Industries, Church Records and 20th Century Memories.

The publication is 302 pages long and contains 104 illustrations.

Society members believe it will become a useful tool for researching family history, because more than 2,000 local names are mentioned.

Funding for the publication has come from a number of sources including the Local Heritage Initiative, the Forest of Dean District Council, the Newent Onion Fayre Committee and Newent Town Council.