A WINCHESTER man has devoted years of his life to writing a local history book.

Peter Finn, 77, of Springvale Road, has been collecting research and information over a number of years on St Swithun’s Church in Headbourne Worthy, and has now published a book of his findings alongside members of The Worthys Local History Group.

The book, The Saxon Church of Saint Swithun at Headbourne Worthy, features nearly a thousand years of history of the local church, and documents its evolution over time.

Mr Finn, who had help taking the photographs for the book from his son Damian Finn, 43, and granddaughter Eleanor Finn, 23, is chairman of The Worthys Local History Group.

He said: “The objective of doing this is not only to record the past, but to inform future generations.

“Here we have a church that was near ruination near the beginnings of the nineteenth century and now it has been saved.”

Mr Finn has developed his passion for history since retirement, and the book features detailed historical accounts of the church, from periods of embellishment and decay, to a resurgence in the 1860’s, as well as a full list of rectors and patrons from 1285.

It costs £10 and can be purchased by calling 01962 885266 or by searching ‘The Worthy History Group’ online.