THINGS ain't like they used to be. And, according to a new book, that couldn't be more accurate.

Local historians Frank Watson and Bob Dobson have compiled Accrington's Changing Face, a collection of 134 photographs of the town and outlying towns.

As Bob said: "This place has changed. You'll not recognise it, especially if you're driving."

And the pictorial history illustrates the changes - to streets, buildings, workplaces, sports, pubs and shops.

Frank, of Hollins Lane, Accrington, a former railway footplateman and then teacher, specialises in road and rail transport.

Ex-policeman Bob moved to the Fylde but has maintained contactthrough the Hyndburn Local History Society.

Bob said: "Some flavour has been added to the book, through the use of old business advertisements and bill headings. These, and photographs taken over the last hundred years help us to recognise Accrington's changing face."

Even the book cover reflects one of Accrington's most famous images - the Stanley red of its local football team.

The book costs £6 and is available from local shops, or Bob Dobson's office at Landy Publishing, 3 Staining Rise, Staining, Blackpool FY3 0BU.M-

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