THE history of Stourport, from its heyday as a working canal port to it's current multi-million pound basin makeover, has been charted in a new book.

Stourport-on-Severn, Pioneer Town of the Canal Age, was unveiled at a civic event at Tontine Gardens on Monday.

The launch, attended by town mayor, Mike Salter, and dignitaries from Stourport Town and Wyre Forest District councils, English Heritage, British Waterways and regeneration group Stourport Forward gave guests the chance to take stock of progress on the canal basin redevelopment.

Mr Salter said: "I've had a good look through and it's a really good book. All the work that's gone on in Stourport is wonderful. It's rejuvenated the area, helping establish itself as the premier tourist town in Wyre Forest."

Sir Neil Cossons, chairman of English Heritage, said: "Stourport is one of those magical places which reflects the origins of the Industrial Revolution and it's the history of Stourport where almost certainly the town's future lies."

The 80-page colour book, published by English Heritage, details the historic foundations of Stourport in words and pictures, from 1770, when its fortunes were linked with Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal Company, up to the current £3.2 million basin project.

Several organisations contributed, including Stourport Civic Society, with more than a dozen people involved in researching and writing.

Pauline Annis, civic society chairman, said: "English Heritage approached us about four years ago to set up a small editorial group and the book was completed by last summer."

Main author, Colum Giles, could not attend the event due to a family illness but co-authors, Keith Falconer and Michael Taylor, were at the launch.

Mr Falconer said: "We wanted to make sure we got the historical story right so we looked at a lot of original sources to see what plans existed, including the minutes of the canal company's meetings. Stourport is one of the first few towns developing during the late 18th century."

For further information on the book (ISBN: 9781905624362) e-mail ehsales@english-heritage.org.uk or call 0870 4296658.

To hear interviews from the book launch go to podcasts.