A NEW Southampton book is being heralded as one of the most important historical accounts produced about the city.

Compiled by Bitterne Local History Society - one of the most active and enthusiastic organisations of its kind - the book looks far into the past, and then focuses in great detail on the intervening decades right up to present times.

The Book of Bitterne - From Roman Town to City Suburb is the culmination of many months of research by an editorial team of society members, each with their own memories, together with a number of Southampton local historians with specialist knowledge of people, places and events connected with the community.

Full of rare photographs, reminiscences, maps and tales of yesteryear, the book is a lively read that manages to combine a huge amount of information with vivid recollections that paint a unique and rich picture of the characters, events, and dates that helped form Bitterne as it is known today.

The Book of Bitterne- From Roman Town to City Suburb by Bitterne Local History Society is published by Halsgrove and costs £19.99.