A BOOKLET containing people's memories and photos of an ancient woodland is being launched next weekend.

Friends of Park Wood (FOPW) will be selling copies of the book for the first time at the Long Lee and Thwaites Brow Village Hall holiday craft fair on Sunday, December 8, between 1pm and 3pm.

It costs £5, with all profits going towards conservation of the wood and community activities.

The booklet, which is also available via info@park-wood.co.uk, has been funded by Keighley and Worth Valley Community Partnership.

FOPW began collecting people's reminisces as part of its Memories Project.

Contributors included Parkwood-born John Baldwin, who played in the wood as a child in the 1950s and recalled the main path being lit by gas lamps.

Others have written about their memories of birds, flowers and views across Keighley from the wood – which spans an area between Long Lee, Thwaites Brow and Parkwood.

FOPW hosts working parties to improve the woodland and its accessibility, and organises social events such as picnics and bat walks, as well as guided walks.

In the foreword to the booklet, the group's chair, Eric Yaffey, says: "Park Wood is a special place and its history is entwined with the development of Keighley and its people.

"It has been a pleasure to listen to, and to share, these living memories of Park Wood and the part it has played in the lives of local people."

The initiative is praised by Keighley MP Robbie Moore.

He says: "Park Wood is a historic and valuable outdoor resource of which the people of Keighley can be proud.

"It’s wonderful to see the Friends of Park Wood capturing the memories and experiences of those who have enjoyed the wood over the years, not only preserving its rich history but also strengthening our community's connection to this beautiful woodland.

"The Memories Project is a valuable record for future generations in our town."

And Keighley East district councillor Lisa Robinson, a regular attendee at FOPW meetings, said: "The care and commitment shown by members of the group is astonishing. We owe them all a debt of gratitude for their hard work generally in the wood and also for their vision for the Memories Project, which reflects the importance of our beautiful woodland. Further memories are welcome if people haven’t already contributed."

A copy of the booklet will also be given to Keighley Local Studies Library.