New book to showcase the A to Z of Jarrow's history

Historian and photographer Paul Perry has put pen to paper to compile the book which is in the process of being published.

It features the town through the decades focusing on each aspect of the alphabet.

Mr Perry, who used his wealth of knowledge of Jarrow to create his latest book, said: “I have mentioned quite a few characters, those who have achieved great things like Ellen Wilkinson to some of the town’s well-known historical villains.

“It tells the story of Cornelius Whalen, the last of the Jarrow marchers to die, his family were overjoyed his story was going to be included.

“Writing the books is never a chore.”

Mr Perry said he began at A but after getting half-way through he skipped to Z and started to work back over worried he wouldn’t find anything for X,Y and Z.

“I thought I would have trouble with the last letters of the alphabet, but it was K and N that caused me the most problems.

“People keep asking what I used for X,Y and Z as well as Q but if I told you, it would spoil the element of surprise with the book.”

Mr Perry, from Raby Gardens, Jarrow, has been collecting old photographs since 1966 and has a collection of thousands of images.

The book - A to Z of Jarrow - will soon be available to buy from Jarrow library, Waterstones and WH Smiths, priced £14.99.

However, it can be pre-ordered by contacted Mr Perry direct on 07881747507 or via email [email protected]