THE centuries old heritage of Prestwich and Whitefield has been lovingly and strikingly brought to life in a new history and photo book.

The book, Prestwich & Whitefield Through Time, charts the rise of the towns from the Middle Ages to the present day.

It features a collection 180 rare photographs, maps and illustrations capturing how the two towns have changed over the centuries.

These include stunning images of historic churches and synagogues, pubs, parks and gardens, prominent houses and manors, town halls, schools, shops, cinemas, sports, political and social clubs; and the hustle and bustle of life amongst them.

In addition to the main streets and thoroughfares of the towns are snapshots of suburbs, such as Sedgley, Besses o' th' Barn and Stand; as well as the village of Simister and the Heaton Park area.

The towns' incredible transport heritage also features heavily, including railway stations, tram lines and roads ­— from Bury New Road which unites them, to the M60 motorway which divides them.

Alongside each set of images is a fascinating history, compiling details and lesser-known facts and stories.

Bury Times: Bury New Road, Prestwich, in the early 1900s. Taken from new history book, Prestwich & Whitefield Through Time, published by Amberley PublishingBury New Road, Prestwich, in the early 1900s. Taken from new history book, Prestwich & Whitefield Through Time, published by Amberley Publishing

The book's publisher's described the volume as 'a nostalgic visual chronicle of Prestwich and Whitefield through the decades', adding: "Prestwich & Whitefield Through Time will be of interest to local people and anyone with links to the area".

It has been written by local history experts, Paul Hindle and Harry Wilkinson.

Mr Hindle was born in Prestwich and educated at Stand Grammar School and the Universities of Manchester and Salford ­— where he later became a senior lecturer.

Now retired, he devotes his time researching Greater Manchester's history, and has particular interest in historic maps, roads, canals and medieval England.

In his career he has published over a dozen books and currently serves as chairman of the Manchester Bolton & Burry Canal Society, for which he edits the society's quarterly journal; as well as editing the North West Geography journal.

Bury Times: Simister in the 1900s. Taken from new history book, Prestwich & Whitefield Through Time, published by Amberley PublishingSimister in the 1900s. Taken from new history book, Prestwich & Whitefield Through Time, published by Amberley Publishing

Mr Wilkinson was born in Whitefield and was also educated at Stand Grammar School.

After studying at London and Sheffield Universities he served two years’ National Service in the RAF.

Beyond this he has lived in the borough all his life, and worked in libraries in Prestwich and Whitefield ­— eventually retiring as area librarian in 1995.

In his career he has co-authored three books on the history of the area, illustrated by old picture postcards.

Strangely the two authors lived next door to each other in Whitefield for much of the 1950s and 1960s.

Bury Times: Whitefield Railway Station in the 1900s. Taken from new history book, Prestwich & Whitefield Through Time, published by Amberley PublishingWhitefield Railway Station in the 1900s. Taken from new history book, Prestwich & Whitefield Through Time, published by Amberley Publishing

Prestwich & Whitefield Through Time is set to be published by Amberley Publishing on July 15, and is priced at £14.99.

For more information visit amberley-books.com/prestwich-whitefield-through-time.html