LOCAL antiquarian bookseller John Saunders is not a boozer. He doesn't even have a favourite tipple, but that hasn't stopped him producing a splendid new book exploring Forest of Dean and Wye Valley breweries and the local watering holes they served.

Mr Saunders, a font of knowledge on local industry, admits he is an unlikely candidate to write this long awaited history which has been four years in preparation.

He says: "I became interested in the subject when Steve Pritchard used to call into my shop, Past and Present Books, in Coleford and ask questions about breweries and pubs in the Forest.

"Over a period of around two years I did all I could to help, and Steve published much of the detail in his book 'A Drink in the Forest'. But I realised there was much more research to do and it took me a further two years before I was in a position to write 'Breweries of The Forest of Dean, Monmouth and Ross on Wye.'

The book extends to 190 pages and will stir many a memory on a journey round local towns and villages.

There's a classic cover showing details of the 'The Brewery, Blakeney, near Newnham' – an advertisement discovered as backing in an old picture frame. While the houses still front the High Street the busy brewery to the rear has long gone.

The book is up-to-the-minute as a last chapter gives details of new local breweries.

The book (cost £20, and available from Past and Present Books, Five Acres, Coleford) is to be launched at 'Stuff' , Newerne Street, Lydney on Saturday morning. Throughout this week there will be a window display of related memorabilia.