An A to Z of life in Knottingley and Ferrybridge

Mr Lewis, 77, wrote a similar book on the history and characters of Pontefract.

Now, he and district councillors Graham Stokes and Glenn Burton along with people living in the area are looking for ideas to include in a Knottingley and Ferryrbidge edition.

Mr Lewis said: “Every town and area has a history and that history should be available for people to easily access.

“There are several influential people, businesses and shops from Knottingley and Ferrybridge and we hope to mark their achievements in the book.

“Other people have done history books but they have been written chronologically but what we do is write it alphabetically so it is easier to read.”

The group is now looking for ideas and suggestions from people in the town as to who or what could be included in the book.

They held a meeting last month and initial ideas include Freda Turner who developed and maintained a garden along the Knottingley Towpath, Ashley Arnall who developed a glass bottle making machine.

Coun Stokes, who is a district councillor for Knottingley and Ferrybridge, said: “We have some ideas from the first meeting but we want to hear other people’s ideas.

“I’m sure there are many more characters from the area who have stories to tell and we are looking for stories or tales about people that could be from the distant past, more recently or present day.”

The group - which also consists of Michael Holdsworth, Olivia Fox, Robin Gledhill and Barbara Smith - will hold its next meeting on Thursday, November 19 at Kellingley Social Club, Marine Villa Road from 7pm.

People wanting to get involved in the project or contribute some ideas are welcome to attend.

For more information or to submit your ideas email Coun Stokes on [email protected]

Our ideas for alphabetical highlights...

A - Ardagh Glass

B - The Bayhorse

C - Costa Coffee at Ferrybridge Services

D - Dishy Fish

E - England Lane School

F - Fishergate

G - Glass industry

H - Hill Top

I - Industry

J - Keith Jeffery

K - Kellingley Colliery

L - Lamb Inn Road

M - The Magnet Inn

N - North View

O - Oxiris Chemical Works

P - Power station

Q - Quality

R - The Railway

S - The Steampacket Inn

T - Freda Turner

U - UK Coal

V - The Vale Junior & Infant School

W - Warwick Estate

X - X-Carnival

Y - Yoga at Ferrybridge Community Centre

Z - Zebra crossing outside Morrison’s