CREATIVE schoolchildren in Newton-le-Willows got to grips with local history as they helped to produce a book on the history of the town.

Entitled 'Newton-le-Willows by Children' the illustrated book contains creative colourful works made by 40 children from all of the primary schools in the area and Hope Academy.

Called 'Art-le-Craft' the project saw the youngsters take part in sessions at the Passsoul art studio on Market Street, Earlestown and workshops at school.

As well as artworks, the book contains photographs and basic historical information about Newton, with notes written mostly by the Local History Group's members also included.

Topics covered in the book include the Nine Arches viaduct, the Vulcan, the town hall, the Newton town crest and others.

Mayor and mayoress of St Helens Cllrs Steve and Lynn Glover paid a visit to the Passsoul studio, run by Piotr and Paula Pietrzak to witness the book's launch, with a copy and artworks presented to each of the schools which had taken part and to Newton Library.

"We think it is very important for people living in a place to know something about its history," said Piotr, of Passsoul.

"We are fortunate that Newton has a very rich and a very long history but unfortunately many people didn't seem to know about it, children especially. We wanted to make sure they were aware about this subject."

The book can be ordered from the Passsoul studio at 68 Market Street. Visit www.passsoul.co.uk for more information.