THE parish church of Tavistock, St Eustachius, is the subject of the latest book by prolific local historian Gerry Woodcock.

He has completed 28 books, giving fascinating detail of local people, places and events over the centuries and his latest work, shortly to be published, 'Homage to St Eustachius', is his longest book yet.

After reading history at Cambridge Gerry became head of Tavistock School's history department and head of sixth form until he retired in 1995.

The author is currently president of the Tavistock Local History Society and has for many years written and lectured on the fascinating history of Tavistock and surrounding areas.

He told the Times: '"Homage to St Eustachius" is the longest book which I have completed and it took three years to find the sources, gather the material and write the book.

'There have been no full scale histories of the church in the past and the book is therefore written from original sources.

'I have always been interested in the history of communities. It has taken me a little time to summon the courage to tackle the story of one of Tavistock's great institutions.

'Its parish church is much loved and cherished by members of the community, whether church goers or not.

'The book is dedicated to the generations of Tavistock folk who, over the centuries, have seen St Eustachius as occupying a central position in their lives.

'I would hope that people do not see this book as in any way a devotional work.

'It is true that I have shown, in one way or another, my own admiration and affection for the Anglican Church, but the work is a celebration for the whole community about something which we can all share.'

The church was first built in the 13th century on its current site, immediately alongside the precinct of the Benedictine Abbey founded in year AD 974.

The book follows its development and additions such as the aptly named Clothworkers Aisle, built in the 15th century.

Most important however are the people; 57 vicars, 36 patrons and numerous curates, readers, wardens, musicians, choristers, ringers and other officers and servants of the church come to life under Gerry's pen and it is to these people that the book is dedicated.

'Homage to St Eustachius' will be produced to a high standard in hardback, with 95 integrated colour and mono illustrations in 320 pages, and is due to be published at Easter 2012 priced £25.